The quality or condition of being scarce; smallness of quantity in proportion to the wants or demands; deficiency; lack of plenty; short supply; penury;
as, a scarcity of grain; a great scarcity of beauties.
Chaucer. [
1913 Webster]
"A scarcity of snow would raise a mutiny at Naples."
[1913 Webster]
"Praise . . . owes its value to its scarcity."
[1913 Webster]
"The value of an advantage is enhanced by its scarceness."
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