Cruelties

1 definition found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  Cruelty \Cru"el*ty\ (-t[y^]), n.; pl. {Cruelties} (-t[i^]z).
     [OF. cruelt['e], F. cruaut['e], fr. L. crudelitas, fr.
     crudelis. See {Cruel}.]
     [1913 Webster]
     1. The attribute or quality of being cruel; a disposition to
        give unnecessary pain or suffering to others; inhumanity;


        barbarity.
        [1913 Webster]
  
              Pierced through the heart with your stern cruelty.
                                                    --Shak.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     2. A cruel and barbarous deed; inhuman treatment; the act of
        willfully causing unnecessary pain.
        [1913 Webster]
  
              Cruelties worthy of the dungeons of the Inquisition.
  
              Macaulay.
        [1913 Webster]