Emily Dickinson Lexicon

HARSH, a. [G. harsch; Scot. harsk. In Dan. harsk, Sw. härsk, is rank, rancid.]

1. Rough to the touch; rugged; grating; as, harsh sand; harsh cloth; opposed to smooth. – Boyle.
2. Sour; rough to the taste; as, harsh fruit.
3. Rough to the ear; grating; discordant; jarring; as, a harsh sound; harsh notes; a harsh voice. – Dryden.
4. Austere; crabbed; morose; peevish. Civilization softens the harsh temper or nature of man.
5. Rough; rude; abusive; as, harsh words; a harsh reflection.
6. Rigorous; severe. Though harsh the precept, yet the preacher charm'd. – Dryden.