It is a pathetic phrase.
"The Expositor's Bible: The Book of Exodus"
G. A. Chadwick
The pathetic knowledge hardened his heart toward the young man in the jail, and he no longer tried to defend him in his thoughts.
"The Eye of Dread"
Payne Erskine
Her breath came and went quickly, and a round red spot now burned on one of her cheeks, and her face seemed to be only two great, pathetic eyes.
"The Eye of Dread"
Payne Erskine