pit·e·ous \ˈpid.ēəs, -itē-\adjective Etymology: Middle English piteus, piteous, alteration (influenced by pite pity) of pitous, from Old French piteus, from pité pity + -eus -ous — more at pity 1. a.: arousing or deserving pity or compassion < had received piteous appeals for help — F. Tennyson Jesse > b.archaic: feeling pity or compassion : compassionate, merciful 2.archaic: paltry, mean < piteous amends — John Milton > • pit·e·ous·lyadverb • pit·e·ous·nessnoun-es