acrimony
    n 1: a rough and bitter manner [syn: bitterness, acrimony,
         acerbity, jaundice, tartness, thorniness]

Acrimony \Ac"ri*mo*ny\, n.; pl. Acrimonies. [L. acrimonia, fr.
   acer, sharp: cf. F. acrimonie.]
   1. A quality of bodies which corrodes or destroys others;
      also, a harsh or biting sharpness; as, the acrimony of the
      juices of certain plants. [Archaic] --Bacon.
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   2. Sharpness or severity, as of language or temper;
      irritating bitterness of disposition or manners.
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            John the Baptist set himself with much acrimony and
            indignation to baffle this senseless arrogant
            conceit of theirs.                    --South.
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   Syn: Acrimony, Asperity, Harshness, Tartness.

   Usage: These words express different degrees of angry feeling
          or language. Asperity and harshness arise from angry
          feelings, connected with a disregard for the feelings
          of others. Harshness usually denotes needless severity
          or an undue measure of severity. Acrimony is a biting
          sharpness produced by an imbittered spirit. Tartness
          denotes slight asperity and implies some degree of
          intellectual readiness. Tartness of reply; harshness
          of accusation; acrimony of invective.
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                In his official letters he expressed, with great
                acrimony, his contempt for the king's character.
                                                  --Macaulay.
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                It is no very cynical asperity not to confess
                obligations where no benefit has been received.
                                                  --Johnson.
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                A just reverence of mankind prevents the growth
                of harshness and brutality.       --Shaftesbury.
          [1913 Webster] acrisia