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Definition of Piteous - 3 dictionary results

pit⋅e⋅ous

  [pit-ee-uhs]
Use Piteous in a Sentence
–adjective
1. evoking or deserving pity; pathetic: piteous cries for help.
2. Archaic. compassionate.
Origin:
1250–1300; ME; r. pitous < OF < ML pietōsus. See pity, -ous

Related forms:
pit⋅e⋅ous⋅ly, adverb
pit⋅e⋅ous⋅ness, noun

Synonyms:
1. affecting, moving, distressing, lamentable, woeful, sad, wretched, sorrowful. See pitiful.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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pit·e·ous   (pĭt'ē-əs)   
adj.  

  1. Demanding or arousing pity: a piteous appeal for help. See Synonyms at pathetic.

  2. Archaic Pitying; compassionate.


[Middle English, from Old French piteus, from Late Latin pietōsus, merciful, from Latin pietās, compassion; see piety.]
pit'e·ous·ly adv., pit'e·ous·ness n.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

piteous 
1297, from Anglo-Fr. pitous, O.Fr. pitos (12c.), from M.L. pietosus "merciful, pitiful," in V.L. "dutiful," from L. pietas "dutiful conduct, compassion" (see piety).
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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