Harsh (?), a. [Compar. Harsher (?); superl. Harshest.] [OE. harsk; akin to G. harsch, Dan. harsk rancid, Sw. harsk; from the same source as E. hard. See Hard, a.]
1.
Rough; disagreeable; grating; esp.:(a) To the touch."Harsh sand." Boyle. (b) To the taste. "Berries harsh and crude." Milton. (c) To the ear. "Harsh din." Milton.
2.
Unpleasant and repulsive to the sensibilities; austere; crabbed; morose; abusive; abusive; severe; rough.
Clarence is so harsh, so blunt.
Shak.
Though harsh the precept, yet the charmed.
Dryden.
3. Painting, Drawing, etc.
Having violent contrasts of color, or of light and shade; lacking in harmony.
© Webster 1913.