最严厉的（stern的最高级形式）

Stern \Stern\, a. [Compar. {Sterner}; superl. {Sternest}.] [OE.
sterne, sturne, AS. styrne; cf. D. stuurish stern, Sw. stursk
refractory. [root]166.]
Having a certain hardness or severity of nature, manner, or
aspect; hard; severe; rigid; rigorous; austere; fixed;
unchanging; unrelenting; hence, serious; resolute; harsh; as,
a sternresolve; a stern necessity; a stern heart; a stern
gaze; a stern decree.

The sterne wind so loud gan to rout. --Chaucer.

I would outstare the sternest eyes that look. --Shak.

When that the poor have cried, C[ae]sar hath wept;
Ambition should be made of sterner stuff. --Shak.

Stern as tutors, and as uncles hard. --Dryden.

These barren rocks, your stern inheritance.
--Wordsworth.

Syn: Gloomy; sullen; forbidding; strict; unkind;
hard-hearted; unfeeling; cruel; pitiless.