Pious \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.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)