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. | 
