What is difficult to be endured; exact; critical; rigorous; as, a severe test. See Strict. -- Se*vere"ly, adv. -- Se*vere"ness, n called?

severe — Difficult to be endured; exact; critical; rigorous; as, a severe test. See Strict. -- Se*vere"ly, adv. -- Se*vere"ness, n. (Webster's 1913.)

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