Pi"e*ty (?), n. [F. pi'et'e; cf. It. pieta; both fr. L. pietas piety, fr. pius pious. See Pious, and cf. Pity.]

1.

Veneration or reverence of the Supreme Being, and love of his character; loving obedience to the will of God, and earnest devotion to his service.

Piety is the only proper and adequate relief of decaying man. Rambler.

2.

Duty; dutifulness; filial reverence and devotion; affectionate reverence and service shown toward parents, relatives, benefactors, country, etc.

Conferred upon me for the piety Which to my country I was judged to have shown. Milton.

Syn. -- Religion; sanctity; devotion; godliness; holiness. See Religion.

 

© Webster 1913.