Definition of "seveare"

His rage and troble both pronounce him guiltles Of this attempt, which makes mee rather doubt Hee may proove too seveare in his revendge, Which I with all indevour will prevent Yet to the most censorious I appeale, What coold I lesse have doone to save myne honor From suffringe beneathe skandall?

1882-89, A Collection Of Old English Plays, Vol. IV.‎

He was very punctuall and regular in his devotions, so that he was never knowne to enter upon his recreations or sportes, though never so early in the morninge, before he had bene at publique prayers, so that on huntinge dayes, his Chaplynes were bounde to a very early attendance, and he was likewise very stricte in observinge the howres of his private cabbinett devotions, and was so seveare an exactor of gravity and reverence in all mention of religion, that he could never indure any light or prophane worde in religion, with what sharpnesse of witt so ever it was cover'd; and though he was well pleased and delighted with readinge verses made upon any occasyon, no man durst bringe before him any thinge that was prophane or uncleane, that kinde of witt had never any countenance then.

1918, Various, Characters from 17th Century Histories and Chronicles‎