Com*pas"sion (?), n. [F., fr. L. compassio, fr. compati to have compassion; com- + pati to bear, suffer. See Patient.]
Literally, suffering with another; a sensation of sorrow excited by the distress or misfortunes of another; pity; commiseration.
Womanly igenuity set to work by womanly compassion.
Macaulay.
Syn. -- Pity; sympathy; commiseration; fellow-feeling; mercy; condolence. See Pity.
© Webster 1913.
Com*pas"sion, v. t.
To pity.
[Obs.]
Shak.
© Webster 1913.