n. & v.
n. (pl. -ies) 1 sorrow and compassion aroused by another's condition (felt pity for the child). 2 something to be regretted; grounds for regret (what a pity!; the pity of it is that he didn't mean it).
v.tr. (-ies, -ied) feel (often contemptuous) pity for (they are to be pitied; I pity you if you think that). for pity's sake an exclamation of urgent supplication, anger, etc. more's the pity so much the worse. take pity on feel or act compassionately towards. pitying adj. pityingly adv.
[ ME f. OF pité f. L pietas (as PIETY) ]