The Schˆne Seele, that ideal of gentle pietism, in "Wilhelm
Meister."
W. Pater.
Pi"e*tist (?), n. [Cf. G. pietist, F. piÈtiste. See Piety.] (Eccl.
Hist.) One of a class of religious reformers in Germany in the 17th
century who sought to revive declining piety in the Protestant
churches; -- often applied as a term of reproach to those who make a
display of religious feeling. Also used adjectively.
{ Pi`e*tis"tic (?), Pi`e*tis"tic*al (?), } a. Of or pertaining to the
Pietists; hence, in contempt, affectedly or demonstratively religious.
Addison.
||Pi*e"tra du"ra (?). [It., hard stone.] (Fine Arts) Hard and fine
||stones in general, such as are used for inlay and the like, as
||distinguished from the softer stones used in building; thus, a
||Florentine mosaic is a familiar instance of work in pietra dura,
||though the ground may be soft marble.
Pi"e*ty (?), n. [F. piÈtÈ; cf. It. piet‡; 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.
Piety is the only proper and adequate relief of decaying man.
Rambler.
2. Duty; dutifulness; filial reverence and devotion; affectionate
reverence and service shown toward parents, relatives, benefactors,
country, etc.
Conferred upon me for the piety Which to my country I was judged to
have shown.
Milton.
Syn. -- Religion; sanctity; devotion; godliness; holiness. See
Religion.
Pie"wipe` (?), n. [So called from its note.] (Zoˆl.) The lapwing, or
pewit. [Prov. Eng.]
Pi`e*zom"e*ter (?), n. [Gr. &?; to press + -meter: cf. F. piÈzomËtre.]
1. (Physics) An instrument for measuring the compressibility of
liquids.
2. (Physics) A gauge connected with a water main to show the pressure
at that point.
{ ||Pif"fe*ro (?), ||Pif"fa*ra (?), } n. [It. piffero.] (Mus.) A fife;
also, a rude kind of oboe or a bagpipe with an inflated skin for
reservoir.