only 1 use
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Definition
clever or funny, but also harsh or cruel
- Such an abounding, affectionate, friendly, loving feeling did this avocation beget; that at last I was continually squeezing their hands, and looking up into their eyes sentimentally; as much as to say,—Oh! my dear fellow beings, why should we longer cherish any social acerbities, or know the slightest ill-humor or envy!Chapters 94-96 — A Squeeze of the Hand; The Cassock; The Try-Works (13% in)
There are no more uses of "acerbic" in Moby Dick.
Typical Usage
(best examples)