The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Dire \Dire\ (d[imac]r), a. [Compar. Direr (d[imac]r"[~e]r);
   superl. Direst.] [L. dirus; of uncertain origin.]
   1. Ill-boding; portentous; as, dire omens.
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   2. Evil in great degree; dreadful; dismal; horrible;
      terrible; lamentable.
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            Dire was the tossing, deep the groans. --Milton.
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            Gorgons and hydras and chimeras dire. --Milton.
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