Scarce"ment (?), n. (Arch. & Engin.) An offset where a wall or bank of
earth, etc., retreats, leaving a shelf or footing.
{ Scarce"ness (?), Scar"ci*ty (?) }, n. 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.
A scarcity of snow would raise a mutiny at Naples.
Addison.
Praise . . . owes its value to its scarcity.
Rambler.
The value of an advantage is enhanced by its scarceness.
Collier.
Syn. -- Deficiency; lack; want; penury; dearth; rareness; rarity;
infrequency.