Härsh, a.

a. [compar. HARSHER; superl. HARSHEST.] [Ger. harsch, Scot. harsk, hars, O. Sw. harsk; Dan. harsk, Sw. härsk, rank, rancid, O. D. haersch, hoarse.]

1. Rough; disagreeable; grating; especially, (a.) To the touch. “Harsh sand.” Boyle. (b.) To the taste. “Berries harsh and crude.” Milton. (c.) To the ear. “Harsh din.” Milton.
2. Unpleasant and repulsive to the sensibilities; austere; crabbed; abusive; severe. “Clarence is so harsh, so blunt.” Shak.

Though harsh the precept, yet the preacher charmed. Dryden.