† conˈdolency Obs.
[f. as prec. + -ency.]
1. = condolence 1, 2.
| 1622 Donne Serm. xvi. 153 The first were shed in a condolency of a humane and naturall calamity fallen upon one family: Lazarus was dead. 1668 Lond. Gaz. No. 236/2 He turned his intended Congratulation into Condolency for the Death of the Young Arch Duke. 1821 Bentham Wks. X. 530 Condolencies, as well as mournings, are bad things. |
2. The quality or state of being condolent; compassion; commiseration.
| 1645 Rutherford Tryal & Tri. Faith (1845) 273 When God heareth Ephraim bemoaning himself..it putteth God to a sort of pinch and condolency. a 1703 Burkitt On N.T. Mark vi. 34 What condolency and sympathizing pity. |