Pious

So characteristic of what a pious Christian would say, this courteous phrase.

Although I am a pious man, I am not the less a man.

A tyrant must put on the appearance of uncommon devotion to religion. Subjects are less apprehensive of illegal treatment from a ruler whom they consider god-fearing and pious.

My wife is chaste and pious.

Tom had a pious reputation.

Tom is very pious.

That I may stay a pious servant of Thine for aye and drive the plagues that try us and tyranny away.

Sami and Layla's pious marriage was hiding a multitude of sins.

Then, audience granted, as the fane they filled, / thus calmly spake the eldest of the train, / Ilioneus: "O queen, whom Jove hath willed / to found this new-born city, here to reign, / and stubborn tribes with justice to refrain, / we, Troy's poor fugitives, implore thy grace, / storm-tost and wandering over every main: / forbid the flames our vessels to deface, / mark our afflicted plight, and spare a pious race."

And lifting on the shore / his hands, Anchises doth the gods adore. / "O Heaven!" he cries, "avert these threats; be kind / and stay the curse, and vex with plagues no more / a pious folk."