Ruth (?), n. [From Rue, v.: cf. Icel. hrygg&edh;, hryg&edh;.]
1.
Sorrow for the misery of another; pity; tenderness.
[Poetic] "They weep for
ruth."
Chaucer. "Have
ruth of the poor."
Piers Plowman.
To stir up gentle ruth,
Both for her noble blood, and for her tender youth.
Spenser.
2.
That which causes pity or compassion; misery; distress; a pitiful.
[Obs.]
It had been hard this ruth for to see.
Chaucer.
With wretched miseries and woeful ruth.
Spenser.
© Webster 1913.