Sob stuff from sailor, by the way (6)
I believe the answer is:
pathos
'sob stuff' is the definition.
'sailor by the way' is the wordplay.
'sailor' becomes 'os' (ordinary seaman).
'by' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'the way' becomes 'path' ('path' can be a synonym of 'way'**).
'os' after 'path' is 'PATHOS'.
'from' is the link.
(Other definitions for pathos that I've seen before include "Literary style arousing feelings of sorrow and sympathy" , "Quality evoking pity or sadness" , "Quality of attracting pity" , "Pitifulness" , "Quality with power to provoke pity or sadness" .)