Cru"el*ty (-t?), n.;
pl. Cruelties (-tĭz). [OF.
cruelté, F. cruauté, fr. L.
crudelitas, fr. crudelis. See Cruel.]
1. The attribute or quality of being
cruel; a disposition to give unnecessary pain or suffering to
others; inhumanity; barbarity.
Pierced through the heart with your stern
cruelty.
Shak.
2. A cruel and barbarous deed; inhuman
treatment; the act of willfully causing unnecessary
pain.
Cruelties worthy of the dungeons of the
Inquisition.
Macaulay.