Cru″el‐ty (–ty̆), n.; pl.Cruelties (–tĭz). [OF. cruelté, F. cruauté, fr. L. crudelitas, fr. crudelis. See Cruel.]
1. The attribute or quality of being cruel; a disposition to give unnecessary pain or suffering to others; inhumanity; barbarity.
Pierced through the heart with your stern cruelty.
Shak.
2. A cruel and barbarous deed; inhuman treatment; the act of willfully causing unnecessary pain.
Cruelties worthy of the dungeons of the Inquisition. Macaulay.