[ ɒ'stɪə , ɔ:- ]
■ adjective ( ~r , ~st )
1》 severe or strict in appearance or manner.
2》 lacking comforts, luxuries, or adornment.
Derivatives
~ly adverb
austerity noun ( plural austerities ).
Origin
ME: via OFr. from L. austerus , from Gk austēros 'severe'.