1. In Roman culture, dutiful devotion and loyalty to family, state, and gods; a virtue encompassing piety, duty, and filial respect.
Usage: historical; Latin term used in English historical and classical contexts

Examples

• The Roman concept of pietas required citizens to honor both their ancestors and the state.
• Aeneas exemplified pietas through his unwavering loyalty to his father and his mission to found Rome.
• Pietas was considered one of the highest virtues in Roman moral philosophy.
• The inscription on the monument reflected the family's pietas toward their deceased relatives.
• Roman soldiers were expected to demonstrate pietas in their obedience to commanders and protection of the republic.