Harsh (härsh), a. [Compar.Harsher (–ẽr); superl.Harshest.] [OE. harsk; akin to G. harsch, Dan. harsk rancid, Sw. härsk; 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 preacher charmed. Dryden.
3. (Painting, Drawing, etc.) Having violent contrasts of color, or of light and shade; lacking in harmony.