\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}.