Dire (dīr), a.
[Compar. Direr (?);
superl. Direst.] [L. dirus; of
uncertain origin.] 1. Ill-boding; portentous;
as, dire omens.
2. Evil in great degree; dreadful; dismal;
horrible; terrible; lamentable.
Dire was the tossing, deep the
groans.
Milton.
Gorgons and hydras and chimeras
dire.
Milton.