2 meanings, 3 uses
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1 —2 uses as in:
a good, pious woman
Definition
religious or highly moral
- Breathing like sanctified and pious bawds, The better to beguile.1.3 — Act 1 Scene 3 — A room in Polonius's house (95% in)
pious = highly religious and moral
(editor's note: Baud is an old word for prostitute.)
(editor's note: Baud is an old word for prostitute.)
- The first row of the pious chanson will show you more; for look where my abridgment comes.2.2 — Act 2 Scene 2 — A room in the Castle (70% in)
pious = religious
There are no more uses of "pious" flagged with this meaning in Hamlet, Prince of Denmark.
Typical Usage
(best examples)
2 —1 use as in:
a pious hypocrite
Definition
self-righteous (acting as though one is, or believing one is highly moral when it is not true)
- —We are oft to blame in this,— 'tis too much prov'd,—that with devotion's visage And pious action we do sugar o'er The Devil himself.3.1 — Act 3 Scene 1 — A room in the Castle (26% in)
pious = appearing highly religious and moral even though it's not true
There are no more uses of "pious" flagged with this meaning in Hamlet, Prince of Denmark.
Typical Usage
(best examples)