Cruelty (-t), n.; pl. Cruelties (-t.
Etymology: [OF. cruelt, F. cruaut, fr. L. crudelitas, fr. crudelis. See Cruel.]
1. The attribute or quality of being cruel; a disposition to give unnecessary pain or suffering to others; inhumanity; barbarity. Pierced through the heart with your stern cruelty. Shak.
2. A cruel and barbarous deed; inhuman treatment; the act of willfully causing unnecessary pain. Cruelties worthy of the dungeons of the Inquisition. Macualay.