%piet%

‖ [ F., fr. It. monte di pietà mount of piety. ] One of certain public pawnbroking establishments which originated in Italy in the 15th century, the object of which was to lend money at a low rate of interest to poor people in need; -- called also mount of piety. The institution has been adopted in other countries, as in Spain and France. See Lombard-house. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ Dim. of Pie a magpie: cf. F. piette a smew. ] (Zool.) (a) The dipper, or water ouzel. [ Scot. ] (b) The magpie. [ Prov.Eng. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

Jay piet (Zool.), the European jay. [ Prov.Eng. ] --
Sea piet (Zool.), the oyster catcher. [ Prov.Eng. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

‖n. [ It. ] (Fine Arts) A representation of the dead Christ, attended by the Virgin Mary or by holy women and angels. Mollett. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ Cf. G. pietismus, F. piétisme. ] 1. The principle or practice of the Pietists. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Strict devotion; also, affectation of devotion. [ 1913 Webster ]

The Schöne Seele, that ideal of gentle pietism, in “Wilhelm Meister.” W. Pater. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ Cf. G. pietist, F. piétiste. See Piety. ] (Eccl. Hist.) One of a class of religious reformers in Germany in the 17th century who sought to revive declining piety in the Protestant churches; -- often applied as a term of reproach to those who make a display of religious feeling. Also used adjectively. [ 1913 Webster ]

{ } a. Of or pertaining to the Pietists; hence, in contempt, affectedly or demonstratively religious. Addison. [ 1913 Webster ]

‖ [ It., hard stone. ] (Fine Arts) Hard and fine stones in general, such as are used for inlay and the like, as distinguished from the softer stones used in building; thus, a Florentine mosaic is a familiar instance of work in pietra dura, though the ground may be soft marble. [ 1913 Webster ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

Piety is the only proper and adequate relief of decaying man. Rambler. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Duty; dutifulness; filial reverence and devotion; affectionate reverence and service shown toward parents, relatives, benefactors, country, etc. [ 1913 Webster ]

Conferred upon me for the piety
Which to my country I was judged to have shown. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]

Syn. -- Religion; sanctity; devotion; godliness; holiness. See Religion. [ 1913 Webster ]

(Zool.) See 1st Sea pie. [ 1913 Webster ]