Pi"e*ty (?), n. [F.
piété; cf. It. pietà; 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.