pitying, ppl. a.
(ˈpɪtɪɪŋ)
[f. pity v. + -ing2.]
That pities; that feels, shows, or expresses pity; compassionate. In mod. use sometimes, Feeling or expressing slight contempt (cf. pitiful 4).
| 1650 T. Hubbert Pill Formality 137 Their tears..pierce the hearts of their pittying neighbors. 1709 Watts Hymn, ‘Plung'd in a gulph of dark despair’, With pitying eyes the Prince of Grace Beheld our helpless grief. 1848 Mrs. Carlyle Lett. II. 34 If I had not felt a pitying interest in the man. 1874 L. Stephen Hours in Library (1892) II. i. 26 Generally dismissed with a pitying shrug of the shoulders. |
Hence ˈpityingly adv., in a pitying manner; in pity.
| 1847 in Webster. 1861 Geo. Eliot Silas M. vi, Mr. Macey..smiled pityingly, in answer to the landlord's appeal. 1861 G. J. Whyte-Melville Good for Nothing I. 231 Looking kindly and pityingly in his face. |