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. [ 1913 Webster ]
Where was the martial brother's pious care? Pope. [ 1913 Webster ]
2. Practiced under the pretext of religion; prompted by mistaken piety; as, pious errors; pious frauds. [ 1913 Webster ]
Syn. -- Godly; devout; religious; righteous. [ 1913 Webster ]
adv. In a pious manner. [ 1913 Webster ]