serious in feeeling or manner; sedate; grave; austere; not light, lively, or cheerful.-very strict in judgment, discipline, or government; harsh; not mild or indulgent; rigorous; as, severe criticism; severe punishment.-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.-sharp; afflictive; distressing; violent; extreme; as, severe pain, anguish, fortune; severe cold.-difficult to be endured; exact; critical; rigorous; as, a severe test.