Austerity

Aus·ter·i·ty

Austerity

n.

pl. Austerities

  1. Sourness and harshness to the taste. [Obs.]
  2. Severity of manners or life; extreme rigor or strictness; harsh discipline.
    The austerity of John the Baptist.
  3. Plainness; freedom from adornment; severe simplicity.
    Partly owing to the studied austerity of her dress, and partly to the lack of demonstration in her manners.