[pi.ous] adj [ME, fr. L pius] (15c) 1 a: marked by or showing reverence for deity and devotion to divine worship b: marked by conspicuous religiosity "a hypocrite--a thing all ~ words and uncharitable deeds --Charles Reade"
2: sacred or devotional as distinct from the profane or secular: religious "a ~ opinion"
3: showing loyal reverence for a person or thing: dutiful
4. a: marked by sham or hypocrisy b: marked by self-conscious virtue: virtuous
5: deserving commendation: worthy "a ~ effort" -- pi.ous.ly adv -- pi.ous.ness n