evoking or deserving pity; pathetic: piteous cries for help. Archaic. compassionate.

What does piteous mean?

1a : marked by or showing reverence for deity and devotion to divine worship. b : marked by conspicuous religiosity a hypocrite—a thing all pious words and uncharitable deeds— Charles Reade. 2 : sacred or devotional as distinct from the profane or secular : religious a pious opinion.

What does piteous mean in Old English?

: of a kind to move to pity or compassion.