The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Adversity \Ad*ver"si*ty\, n.; pl. Adversities. [OE. adversite,
   F. adversit['e], fr. L. adversitas.]
   1. Opposition; contrariety. [Obs.] --Wyclif.
      [1913 Webster]

            Adversity is not without comforts and hopes.
                                                  --Bacon.
      [1913 Webster]

   Syn: Affliction; distress; misery; disaster; trouble;
        suffering; trial.
        [1913 Webster]