·superl Difficult to be endured; exact; critical; rigorous; as, a severe test.
II. Severe ·superl Serious in feeeling or manner; sedate; grave; austere; not light, lively, or cheerful.
III. Severe ·superl Sharp; afflictive; distressing; violent; extreme; as, severe pain, anguish, fortune; severe cold.
IV. Severe ·superl Very strict in judgment, discipline, or government; harsh; not mild or indulgent; rigorous; as, severe criticism; severe punishment.
V. Severe ·superl Rigidly methodical, or adherent to rule or principle; exactly conformed to a standard; not allowing or employing unneccessary ornament, amplification, ·etc.; strict;
— said of style, argument, ·etc.