Pity husband sticking to tedious course (4)

I believe the answer is:

ruth

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'pity' is the definition.
(synonyms)

I don't understand how the rest of the clue works.

(Other definitions for ruth that I've seen before include "Pity - grief - Old Testament book" , "She is followed by Samuel" , "Damsel" , "See 17 Down" , "Girl's name - compassion" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.

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