n. [ L. rigiditas: cf. F. rigidité. See Rigid. ] 1. The quality or state of being rigid; want of pliability; the quality of resisting change of form; the amount of resistance with which a body opposes change of form; -- opposed to flexibility, ductility, malleability, and softness. [ 1913 Webster ] 2. Stiffness of appearance or manner; want of ease or elegance. Sir H. Wotton. [ 1913 Webster ] 3. Severity; rigor. [ Obs. orR. ] Bp. Burnet. [ 1913 Webster ] Syn. -- Stiffness; rigidness; inflexibility. [ 1913 Webster ] |