rueful Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. adjective satellite feeling or expressing pain or sorrow for sins or offenses
    remorseful; contrite; ruthful.

WordNet

Rue"ful adjective
Definitions
  1. Causing one to rue or lament; woeful; mournful; sorrowful.
  2. Expressing sorrow. "Rueful faces." Dryden.
    Two rueful figures, with long black cloaks. Sir W. Scott.
    -- Rue"ful*ly, adv. -- Rue"ful*ness, n.

Webster 1913