Emily Dickinson Lexicon
Definition for GRIEV'OUS
GRIEV'OUS, a. [from grieve, or grief]
- Heavy; oppressive; burdensome; as, a grievous load of taxes.
- Afflictive; painful. Correction is grievous to him that forsaketh the way. Prov. xv.
- Causing grief or sorrow. The thing was very grievous in Abraham's sight, because of his son. Gen. xxi.
- Distressing. The famine was very grievous in the land. Gen. xii.
- Great; atrocious. Because their sin is very grievous. Gen. xviii. Expressing great uneasiness; as, a grievous complaint.
- Provoking; offensive; tending to irritate; as, grievous words. Prov. xv.
- Hurtful; destructive; causing mischief; as, grievous wolves. Acts xx.
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