/pit"ee/ , n. , pl. pities , v. , pitied, pitying .
n.
1. sympathetic or kindly sorrow evoked by the suffering, distress, or misfortune of another, often leading one to give relief or aid or to show mercy: to feel pity for astarving child.
2. a cause or reason for pity, sorrow, or regret: What a pity you could not go!
3. have or take pity . to show mercy or compassion.
v.t.
4. to feel pity or compassion for; be sorry for; commiserate with.
v.i.
5. to have compassion; feel pity.
[ 1175-1225; ME pite pite, earlier pitet pietat- (s. of pietas ) PIETY ]
Syn. 1. commiseration, compassion. See sympathy .