Mid 17th century; earliest use found in William Whately (1583–1639), Church of England clergyman and puritan preacher. From over- + harshness, after over-harsh.
Definition of over-harshness in US English:
over-harshness
nounˌəʊvəˈhɑːʃnəs
Excessive harshness.
Origin
Mid 17th century; earliest use found in William Whately (1583–1639), Church of England clergyman and puritan preacher. From over- + harshness, after over-harsh.