Pathetic \Pa*thet"ic\ (p[.a]*th[e^]t"[i^]k), a. [L. patheticus,
   Gr. paqhtiko`s, fr. paqei^n, pa`schein, to suffer: cf. F.
   path['e]tique. See {Pathos}.]
   1. Expressing or showing anger; passionate. [Obs.]
      
[1913 Webster]


   2. Affecting or moving the tender emotions, esp. pity or
      grief; full of pathos; as, a pathetic song or story.
      "Pathetic action." --Macaulay.
      
[1913 Webster]


            No theory of the passions can teach a man to be
            pathetic.                             --E. Porter.
      
[1913 Webster]


   {Pathetic muscle} (Anat.), the superior oblique muscle of the
      eye.

   {Pathetic nerve} (Anat.), the fourth cranial, or trochlear,
      nerve, which supplies the superior oblique, or pathetic,
      muscle of the eye.

   {The pathetic}, a style or manner adapted to arouse the
      tender emotions.
      
[1913 Webster]