Harsh (härsh), a.
[Compar. Harsher (-ẽr);
superl. Harshest.] [OE. harsk; akin
to G. harsch, Dan. harsk rancid, Sw. härsk;
from the same source as E. hard. See Hard,
a.] 1. Rough; disagreeable;
grating; esp.: (a) To the touch.
"Harsh sand." Boyle. (b) To the
taste. "Berries harsh and crude." Milton.
(c) To the ear. "Harsh din."
Milton.
2. Unpleasant and repulsive to the
sensibilities; austere; crabbed; morose; abusive; abusive; severe;
rough.
Clarence is so harsh, so blunt.
Shak.
Though harsh the precept, yet the preacher
charmed.
Dryden.
3. (Painting, Drawing, etc.) Having
violent contrasts of color, or of light and shade; lacking in
harmony.