\Re*morse"\ (r?*m?rs"), n. [OE. remors, OF. remors,F.
remords, LL. remorsus, fr. L. remordere, remorsum, to bite
again or back, to torment; pref. re- re- + mordere to bite.
See {Morsel}.]
1. The anguish, like gnawing pain, excited by a sense of
   guilt; compunction of conscience for a crime committed, or
   for the sins of one's past life. ``Nero will be tainted
   with remorse.'' --Shak.
2. Sympathetic sorrow; pity; compassion.
         Curse on the unpardoning prince, whom tears can draw
         To no remorse.                        --Dryden.
         But evermore it seem'd an easier thing At once
         without remorse to strike her dead.   --Tennyson.
Syn: Compunction; regret; anguish; grief; compassion. See
     {Compunction}.