Pī'ous, a.
a. [Lat. pius, Pr. pios, pius, O. Fr. pius, pios, piu, f. pie, N. Fr. pieux, pieuse, Sp., Pg., & It. pio.] 1. Having affectionate or filial reverence for a parent or superior. Where was the martial brother's pious care? Pope. 2. Hence, having reverence and love toward the Supreme Being; religious; godly. God . . . sends his spirit of truth henceforth to dwell In pious hearts, an inward oracle To all truth requisite for men to know. Milton.
- Dictated by reverence to God; proceeding from religious feeling; as, pious awe; pious services or affections; pious sorrow.
- Practiced under the pretense of religion; as, pious frauds.
Syn.—Godly; devout; religious; holy; righteous.