BIT'TERNESS, n. [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. Eph 4.
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 Sam 1. Job 7.
In the gall of bitterness, in a state of extreme impiety or enmity to God. Acts 8.
Root of bitterness, a dangerous error, or schism, tending to draw persons to apostasy. Heb 12.
