1. Sorrow aroused by circumstances beyond one's control or power to repair
2. An expression of distressing emotion (as sorrow or disappointment) plural; a note politely declining an invitation

ETYM Old Eng. remors, Old Fren. remors,French remords, Late Lat. remorsus, from Latin remordere, remorsum, to bite again or back, to torment; pref. re- re- + mordere to bite. Related to Morsel.
1. A gnawing distress arising from a sense of guilt for past wrongs; self-reproach.
2. Deep regret; an anguished feeling of guilt or sorrow.