The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 4 letter word RUTH
I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
R
U
T
H
More clues leading to the result RUTH
- She was Boaz’s wife? Pity
- Girl needing hot bath finally after game
- Woman’s tedious routine held up by husband
- Old Testament book giving accurate facts, except for first part
- Woman's desire for sex with husband
- No introduction needed for gospel book
- A Gaskell heroine shows fidelity except for one time
- Book presenting facts: not the first time
- Woman showing compassion in a Beirut hotel
- Pity it only has 4 chapters
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Pity/it only has 4 chapters" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case pity/it only has 4 chapters = ruth.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does RUTH mean?
RUTH noun- Sorrow for the misery of another; pity, compassion; mercy.
- Repentance; regret; remorse.
- Sorrow; misery; distress.
- Something which causes regret or sorrow; a pitiful sight.