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.
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