REMORSE Re*morse" (r*mrs"), n. Etym: [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.
2. Sympathetic sorrow; pity; compassion. Curse on the unpardoning prince, whom tears can draw To no remorse. Dryden. But evermore it seem'd an easier thing At once without remorse to strike her dead. Tennyson.
Syn.
— Compunction; regret; anguish; grief; compassion. See Compunction.
REMORSED
Re*morsed" (r-mrst"), a.
Defn: Feeling remorse. [Obs.]
REMORSEFUL
Re*morse"ful (-mrs"fl), a.
1. Full of remorse. The full tide of remorseful passion had abated. Sir W. Scott.
2. Compassionate; feeling tenderly. [Obs.] Shak.
3. Exciting pity; pitiable. [Obs.] Chapman.
— Re*morse"ful*ly, adv.
— Re*morse"ful*ness, n.