remorse

n. [ OE. remors, OF. remors, F. remords, LL. remorsus, fr. L. remordere, remorsum, to bite again or back, to torment; pref. re- re- + mordere to bite. See Morsel. ] 1. The anguish, like gnawing pain, excited by a sense of guilt; compunction of conscience for a crime committed, or for the sins of one's past life. “Nero will be tainted with remorse.” Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Sympathetic sorrow; pity; compassion. [ 1913 Webster ]

Curse on the unpardoning prince, whom tears can draw
To no remorse. Dryden. [ 1913 Webster ]

But evermore it seem'd an easier thing
At once without remorse to strike her dead. Tennyson. [ 1913 Webster ]

Syn. -- Compunction; regret; anguish; grief; compassion. See Compunction. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. Feeling remorse. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

a. 1. Full of remorse. [ 1913 Webster ]

The full tide of remorseful passion had abated. Sir W. Scott. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Compassionate; feeling tenderly. [ Obs. ] Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. Exciting pity; pitiable. [ Obs. ] Chapman. [ 1913 Webster ]

-- Re*morse"ful*ly, adv. -- Re*morse"ful*ness, n. [ 1913 Webster ]