2. Severity of language; sarcasm; as, the causticity of a reply or remark.

Caus"tic*ness (?), n. The quality of being caustic; causticity.

Cau"tel (?), n. [F. cautŔle, L. cautela, fr. cavere to be on one's guard, to take care.] 1. Caution; prudence; wariness. [Obs.] Fulke.