pitifulness

1 definition found

pitifulness - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Pitiful \Pit"i*ful\, a.
     1. Full of pity; tender-hearted; compassionate; kind;
        merciful; sympathetic.
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              The Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.
                                                    --James v. 11.
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     2. Piteous; lamentable; eliciting compassion.
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              A thing, indeed, very pitiful and horrible.
                                                    --Spenser.
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     3. To be pitied for littleness or meanness; miserable;
        paltry; contemptible; despicable.
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              That's villainous, and shows a most pitiful ambition
              in the fool that uses it.             --Shak.
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     Syn: Despicable; mean; paltry. See Contemptible.
          [1913 Webster] -- Pit"i*ful*ly, adv. --
          Pit"i*ful*ness, n.
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