Aus*tere" (?), [F. austère, 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.