Bĭt'ter-ness, n.

[From bitter.] 1. The state or quality of being bitter, either in a literal or figurative sense; an excessive degree of implacableness of passions or emotions; keenness of reproach or sarcasm; deep distress of mind. “Bitterness of anger.” Longfellow. “The lip that curls with bitterness.” Percival. I will complain in the bitterness of my soul. Job vii. 11. 2. A state of extreme impiety or enmity to God. Thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity. Acts viii. 23. 3. Dangerous error, or schism, tending to draw persons to apostasy. Looking diligently, . . . lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you. Heb. xii. 15.