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The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 (gcide)

Acrimony \Ac"ri*mo*ny\, n.; pl. {Acrimonies}. [L. acrimonia, fr.
acer, sharp: cf. F. acrimonie.]
1. A quality of bodies which corrodes or destroys others;
also, a harsh or biting sharpness; as, the acrimony of the
juices of certain plants. [Archaic] --Bacon.
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2. Sharpness or severity, as of language or temper;
irritating bitterness of disposition or manners.
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John the Baptist set himself with much acrimony and
indignation to baffle this senseless arrogant
conceit of theirs. --South.
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Syn: {Acrimony}, {Asperity}, {Harshness}, {Tartness}.

Usage: These words express different degrees of angry feeling
or language. Asperity and harshness arise from angry
feelings, connected with a disregard for the feelings
of others. Harshness usually denotes needless severity
or an undue measure of severity. Acrimony is a biting
sharpness produced by an imbittered spirit. Tartness
denotes slight asperity and implies some degree of
intellectual readiness. Tartness of reply; harshness
of accusation; acrimony of invective.
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In his official letters he expressed, with great
acrimony, his contempt for the king's character.
--Macaulay.
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It is no very cynical asperity not to confess
obligations where no benefit has been received.
--Johnson.
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A just reverence of mankind prevents the growth
of harshness and brutality. --Shaftesbury.
[1913 Webster] acrisia