(definition) by Webster 1913 Tue Dec 21 1999 at 23:05:47

Dire (?), a. [Compar. Direr (?); superl. Direst.] [L. dirus; of uncertain origin.]

1.

Ill-boding; portentous; as, dire omens.

2.

Evil in great degree; dreadful; dismal; horrible; terrible; lamentable.

Dire was the tossing, deep the groans. Milton.

Gorgons and hydras and chimeras dire. Milton.

 

© Webster 1913.

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