BIT'TERNESS, noun [from bitter.] A bitter taste; or rather a quality in things which excites a biting disagreeable sensation in the tongue. 1. In a figurative sense, extreme enmity, grudge, hatred; or rather an excessive degree or implacableness of passions and emotions; as the bitterness of anger. Ephesians 4:31. 2. Sharpness; severity of temper. 3. Keenness of reproach; piquancy; biting sarcasm. 4. Keen sorrow; painful affliction; vexation; deep distress of mind. Hannah was in bitterness of soul. 1 Samuel 1:10. Job 7:11. In the gall of bitterness in a state of extreme impiety or enmity to God. Acts 8:23. Root of bitterness a dangerous error, or schism, tending to draw persons to apostasy. Hebrews 12:15.
Source: Webster's 1828 American Dictionary ↗ · public-domain · returned verbatim, no AI