Webster's English Dictionary

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cruelty

cru.el.ty \'kru:(-*)l-te-, 'kru.(-*)l-\ n [ME cruelte, fr. OF cruelte`, fr. 
   L crudelitat-, crudelit]as, fr. crudelis 1: the quality or state of being 
   cruel  2: a cruel action : inhuman treatment  3: marital conduct held (as 
   in a divorce action) to endanger life or health  or to cause mental 
   suffering or fear