Commiseration

from WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006)

commiseration
    n 1: a feeling of sympathy and sorrow for the misfortunes of
         others; "the blind are too often objects of pity" [syn:
         {commiseration}, {pity}, {ruth}, {pathos}]
    2: an expression of sympathy with another's grief; "they sent
       their condolences" [syn: {condolence}, {commiseration}]

from The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48

Commiseration \Com*mis`er*a"tion\, n. [F. commis['e]ration, fr.
   L. commiseratio a part of an oration intended to excite
   compassion.]
   The act of commiserating; sorrow for the wants, afflictions,
   or distresses of another; pity; compassion.
   [1913 Webster]

         And pluck commiseration of his state
         From brassy bosoms and rough hearts of flint. --Shak.

   Syn: See {Sympathy}.
        [1913 Webster]