Aus*tere" (?), [F. austere, L. austerus, fr. Gr. , fr. to parch, dry. Cf. Sear.] 1. Sour and astringent; rough to the state; having acerbity; as, an austere crab apple; austere wine.
2. Severe in modes of judging, or living, or acting; rigid; rigorous; stern; as, an austere man, look, life.
From whom the austere Etrurian virtue rose.
Dryden.
3. Unadorned; unembellished; severely simple.
Syn. -- Harsh; sour; rough; rigid; stern; severe; rigorous; strict.
© Webster 1913. | 
