na-adjective, taru-adjective, adverb taking the 'to' particle
biting cold; piercing; severe; intense
Literary word describing bitterly cold weather or a piercing, severe atmosphere. Often used in written descriptions of winter scenes or harsh conditions. Can also describe a stern, intense demeanor.
凛冽たる寒風が吹き荒れた。
A biting cold wind raged.
彼の凛冽とした態度に、誰も口を開けなかった。
No one dared speak in the face of his severe demeanor.
The exact derivation is uncertain. The kanji 凛 means 'cold' or 'dignified', and 冽 means 'cold' or 'piercing', together forming a compound that intensifies the sense of severe cold or sternness.