piety

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 ]