Dictionary entry

Pious

Webster's Dictionary 1913

Pi″ous (?), a. [L. pius: cf. F. pieux.] 1. Of or pertaining to piety; exhibiting piety; reverential; dutiful; religious; devout; godly. “Pious hearts.” Milton.Pious poetry.” Johnson.

Where was the martial brother's pious care? Pope.

2. Practiced under the pretext of religion; prompted by mistaken piety; as, pious errors; pious frauds.

Syn. — Godly; devout; religious; righteous.