Also 6–7 -misseration, 7 comiseration, -cion. [ad. L. commiserātiōn-em (also F. commisération, 16th c. in Littré), n. of action f. commiserāri to COMMISERATE.] The action of commiserating; the expression of feelings of pity or sorrow for the affliction or distress of another: pity, compassion.
1585. Abp. Sandys, Serm. (1841), 226. The judge may not give place to commiseration: his place is a place of equity, and not of foolish pity.
1588. Shaks., L. L. L., IV. ii. 64. Haue comiseration on thy heroicall Vassall.
1592. trans. Junius on Rev. xiv. 9. A vehement commisseration of their estate.
1604. T. Wright, Passions, V. 154. Let no man help him, nor take commiseration vpon his infants.
1642. Milton, Apol. Smect. (1851), 303. To take into hearing and commiseration the long remedilesse afflictions of this kingdome.
1708. Swift, Death Partridge. I prevailed with myself to go and see him, partly out of commiseration, and partly out of curiosity.
1862. Sir B. Brodie, Psychol. Inq., II. ii. 43. They not unfrequently wonder why, from being born blind, they should be held to be objects of commiseration.
b. A feeling or expression of pity or compassion.
1624. Capt. Smith, Virginia, III. i. 43. They pretended out of their commisserations, to referre him to the Councell.
