Asperity

As·per·i·ty

Asperity

n.

pl. Asperities

  1. Roughness of surface; unevenness; -- opposed to smoothness.
  2. Roughness or harshness of sound; that quality which grates upon the ear; raucity.
  3. Roughness to the taste; sourness; tartness.
  4. Moral roughness; roughness of manner; severity; crabbedness; harshness; -- opposed to mildness.
    It is no very cynical asperity not to confess obligations where no benefit has been received.
  5. Sharpness; disagreeableness; difficulty.
    The acclivities and asperities of duty.