asperity

• While Jerusalem around them was going on in its ordinary course of worldliness and ecclesiastical asperity, these few humble souls were felicitating themselves with a secret which they knew to contain within it the blessedness of mankind and the future of the world 32. —  The Life of St. Paul
• He had chosen him on the present occasion simply on account of his youth and magnificent physique I doot I've made a mistake in choosin' you_," said Glendinning with some asperity, after a few moments, "but it's ower late noo to rectifee't. —  Hunted and Harried
• He answered with some asperity, "No, it was painted in England before Copley's time. —  Flint His Faults, His Friendships and His Fortunes
• Fortunately, I remembered that my cook had complained of toothache when I gave her my orders for breakfast, and going down at once into the kitchen, where she sat with her cheek propped up in her hand waiting for Lena, I said with an asperity which admitted of no reply You have a dreadful tooth, Sarah, and you must have something done for it at once. —  That Affair Next Door
• The neighbours laughed at her, but my mother did not care; she worked hard, and always was ready to pay the quarter's bill for schooling whenever it was due To me Sunday was a day of rejoicing, I was so glad to throw off my ragged apparel of "Poor Jack," and put on my best clothes, that I might walk with my sister, for my mother gradually softened down her asperity (perhaps, out of prudence), as she could raise no objection to Virginia walking with her brother when he was clean and well dressed, and Virginia was very firm in supporting me when I requested permission. —  Poor Jack

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