ˈpid.ēəs, -itē- adjective
Etymology: Middle English piteus, piteous, alteration (influenced by pite pity) of pitous, from Old French piteus, from pité pity + -eus -ous — more at pity
1.
a. : arousing or deserving pity or compassion
had received piteous appeals for help — F. Tennyson Jesse
b. archaic : feeling pity or compassion : compassionate , merciful
2. archaic : paltry , mean
piteous amends — John Milton
• pit·e·ous·ly adverb
• pit·e·ous·ness noun -es