Piety \Pi"e*ty\, n. [F. pi['e]t['e]; cf. It. piet[`a]; 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.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)