Au-stēre′, a.

a. [Fr. austère, Lat. austerus, Gr. αὐστηρός.]

1. Sour with astringency; rough to the taste; having acerbity; harsh; as, austere fruit or wine; “Sloes austere.” Cowper.
2. Severe in modes of judging, or living or acting; rigid; stern; as, an austere look, an austere life.

From whom the austere Etrurian virtue rose. Dryden. Syn.—Harsh; sour; rough; rigid; stern; severe; rigorous.