reuþe

Middle English

Alternative forms

• reoðe, reowthe, reuthe, rewðe, rewthe, routhe, rouþe, rowthe, ruthe

Etymology

From rewe (“rue”) +‎ -the (abstract nominal suffix); the formation is influenced by Old Norse hrygð. For the phonology, see trouthe.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ˈrɔu̯ð(ə)/, /ˈrɛu̯ð(ə)/, /ˈriu̯ð(ə)/, /-θ(ə)/

Noun

reuþe (plural reuþes or reoðen)

1. Sadness, misery; despair and despondence:
   1. Pitifulness; empathy, mercy or sorrow for the weak or innocent.
   2. The experience of remorsefulness; self-reproach.
   3. Moaning, lamenting; a despondent cry.
2. An occurrence or thing that creates misery or ruth:
   1. Harmful or injurious behaviour; heartless acts.
   2. A disaster or catastrophe.
   3. An instance of moaning or complaining of discomfort.
3. (rare) A lamentful petition or supplication.

Derived terms

• reuþful
• reuþeles

Descendants

• English: ruth
• Scots: rewthe (obsolete)

References

• “reuth(e, n.”, in MED Online, Ann Arbor, Mich.: University of Michigan, 2007, retrieved 2018-06-8.