Pĭt'e-oŭs, a.

a. [O. Fr. pitos, N. Fr. piteux, Pr. pitos, pietos, piatos, It. pietoso, piatoso, Sp. & Pg. piadoso.]

1. Fitted to excite pity; wretched; miserable; sorrowful; mournful. “That piteous strained voice.” Spenser.
2. Evincing pity; compassionate; tender. “Piteous of his case.” Pope.
3. Paltry; mean; poor; pitiful. “Piteous amends.” Milton.

Syn.—Sorrowful; mournful; affecting; doleful; woful; rueful; wretched; miserable; pitiable; compassionate; tender.