Emily Dickinson Lexicon

IM'PI-OUS, a. [L. impius; in and pius, pious.]

1. Irreverent toward the Supreme Being; wanting in veneration for God and his authority; irreligious; profane. The scoffer at God and his authority is impious. The profane swearer is impious. When, vice prevails and impious men bear sway, / The post of honor is a private station. Addison.
2. Irreverent toward God; proceeding from or manifesting a contempt for the Supreme Being; tending to dishonor God or his laws, and bring them into contempt; as, an impious deed; impious language; impious writings.