Rigidity

Ri*gid"i*ty (?), 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.

2. Stiffness of appearance or manner; want of ease or elegance. Sir H. Wotton.

3. Severity; rigor. [Obs. orR.] Bp. Burnet.

Syn. -- Stiffness; rigidness; inflexibility.