The word for today is…

pious (adj) – 1. (a) Earnestly compliant in the observance of religion; reverent or devout.
(b) Showing or characterised by religious devotion.
(c) Expressive of or used in religious devotion; devotional.
2. (a) Done for the benefit of others or with the intention of encouraging good.
(b) Sincere but wishful or far-fetched.
3. Self-righteous or sanctimonious.
4. (Archaic) Professing or exhibiting traditional morality; dutiful.

Source : The Free Dictionary

Etymology : Mid-15th century, from Latin pius “dutiful, devout, conscientious, religious; faithful to kindred; inspired by friendship, prompted by natural affections,” perhaps [Klein] related to Latin purus “pure, clean”. Often coupled with fraud from at least 1630s.

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Peter is a fourth-generation New Zealander, with his mother's and father's folks having arrived in New Zealand in the 1870s. He lives in Lower Hutt with his wife, some cats and assorted computers. His...