Pity husband sticking to tedious course (4)
I believe the answer is:
ruth
'pity' is the definition.
(synonyms)
I don't understand how the rest of the clue works.
Can you help me to learn more?
(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" .)