n. archaic or literary 1 affliction; bitter grief; distress.
2 (in pl.) calamities, troubles.
3 joc. problems (told me a tale of woe).
Phrases and idioms:
woe betide there will be unfortunate consequences for (woe betide you if you are late). woe is me an exclamation of distress.
Etymology: OE wa, w{aelig} f. Gmc, a natural exclam. of lament