PI'OUS, a. [L. pius.] 1. Godly; reverencing and honoring the Supreme Being in heart and in the practice of the duties he has enjoined; having due veneration and affection for the character of God, and habitually obeying his commands; religious; devoted to the service of God; applied to persons.2. Dictated by reverence to God; proceeding from piety; applied to things; as pious awe; pious services of affections; pious sorrow.3. Having due respect and affection for parents or other relatives; practicing the duties of respect and affection towards parents or other near relatives.4. Practiced under the pretense of religion; as pious frauds.
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