Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary - drought

 also drouth  noun  Etymology: Middle English, from Old English drugath, from drugian to dry up; akin to Old English dry?ge dry — more at dry  Date: before 12th century  1. a period of dryness especially when prolonged; specifically one that causes extensive damage to crops or prevents their successful growth  2. a prolonged or chronic shortage or lack of something expected or desired  • ~iness noun  • ~y adjective