Rigidity \Ri*gid"i*ty\, n. [L. rigiditas: cf. F. rigidit['e]. 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.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)