Emily Dickinson Lexicon

pious, adj. [L. pi-us, dutiful, pious + L. -ōs-us, abounding in, full of, characterized by, of the nature of.] (webplay: God).

1. Righteous; dutiful; obedient; faithful; devoted; respectful; reverent; religious; [fig.] prayerful; worshipful; kneeling in prayer.
2. Meek; humble; submissive; abject; pitiful; pathetic.