[f. prec., or prob. ad. F. compassionner (15th c. in Littré) to compassionate.] trans. To have compassion on, to pity. (‘A word scarcely used,’ Johnson.)
1588. Shaks., Tit. A., IV. i. 124. Can you heare a good man grone And not relent, or not compassion him?
1627. F. E., Hist. Edw. II. (1680), 72. Shall I … compassion those that do attempt my ruine?
1761. Hume, Hist. Eng., II. xxxi. 222. The people who compassioned his youth, his virtue and his noble birth.
1873. Argosy, XVI. 35. Dr. Knox compassioned Janet’s hard place.
Hence Compassioning vbl. sb. and ppl. a.
1830. Fraser’s Mag., I. 226. Both wanted … a kind, compassioning adviser.
