In Italy: a Church or State-funded lending house or pawnshop; = Mount of Piety.
Origin
Mid 17th century; earliest use found in James Howell (?1594–1666), historian and political writer. From Italian monte di pietà from monte + di of + pietà.
Definition of Monte di Pietà in US English:
Monte di Pietà
nounˌmɒntɪ dɪ ˌpiːɛˈtɑː
historical
In Italy: a Church or State-funded lending house or pawnshop; = Mount of Piety.
Origin
Mid 17th century; earliest use found in James Howell (?1594–1666), historian and political writer. From Italian monte di pietà from monte + di of + pietà.