The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Harsh \Harsh\ (h[aum]rsh), a. [Compar. Harsher
   (h[aum]rsh"[~e]r); superl. Harshest.] [OE. harsk; akin to
   G. harsch, Dan. harsk rancid, Sw. h[aum]rsk; from the same
   source as E. hard. See Hard, a.]
   1. Rough; disagreeable; grating; esp.:
      (a) disagreeable to the touch. "Harsh sand." --Boyle.
      (b) disagreeable to the taste. "Berries harsh and crude."
          --Milton.
      (c) disagreeable to the ear. "Harsh din." --Milton.
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   2. Unpleasant and repulsive to the sensibilities; austere;
      crabbed; morose; abusive; abusive; severe; rough.
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            Clarence is so harsh, so blunt.       --Shak.
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            Though harsh the precept, yet the preacher charmed.
                                                  --Dryden.
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   3. (Painting, Drawing, etc.) Having violent contrasts of
      color, or of light and shade; lacking in harmony.
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