Word Study
Alas
CIDE DICTIONARY
Alas, interj. [OE. alas, allas, OF. alas, F. hélas; a interj. (L. ah.) + las wretched (that I am), L. lassus weary, akin to E. late. See Late.].
An exclamation expressive of sorrow, pity, or apprehension of evil; -- in old writers, sometimes followed by day or white; alas the day, like alack a day, or alas the white. [1913 Webster]
OXFORD DICTIONARY
Alas, int. an expression of grief, pity, or concern.
Etymology
ME f. OF a las(se) f. a ah + las(se) f. L lassus weary
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