Category: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.