ruth

Definition

Sorrow for the misery of another; pity, compassion; mercy.

Etymology

From Middle English reuþe, ruthe, reuthe, rewthe, reowthe, corresponding to rue + -th (abstract nominal suffix), perhaps after early Scandinavian (compare Old Norse hrygð, hryggð (“ruth, sorrow”)).

Example Sentences

• "It was my fortune to be at Rome, upon a day that one Catena, a notorious high-way theefe, was executed: at his strangling no man of the companie seemed to be mooved to any ruth[…]."
• "[…]under her light eyebrows glimmered an eye devoid of ruth[…]."
• "2011, Turisas (Mathias Nygård), Hunting Pirates Scum they are! —Foe of mankind! Clear the sea! —Show no ruth!"