Aus·ter·i·ty n.; pl. Austerities
  1. Sourness and harshness to the taste. [Obs.]
  2. Severity of manners or life; extreme rigor or strictness; harsh discipline.
     The austerity of John the Baptist.   --Milton.
  3. Plainness; freedom from adornment; severe simplicity.
     Partly owing to the studied austerity of her dress, and partly to the lack of demonstration in her manners.   --Hawthorne.
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