Definition of "pityingly"

Ursula knew that Palmer had been astir at dawn, but not to attend to his usual duties, for she pityingly had freed the thirsty, uncared for sheep; many of these were now bogged in the various water-holes along the river.

1907, Barbara Baynton, edited by Sally Krimmer and Alan Lawson, Human Toll (Portable Australian Authors: Barbara Baynton), St Lucia: University of Queensland Press, published 1980, page 273

The lady in the mirror gazed at the lady in the room, reproachfully at first, then — for were they not sisters? — relentingly, then pityingly.

1911, Max Beerbohm, Zuleika Dobson