| 释义 |
obˈsequiousness
[f. as prec. + -ness.]
The quality of being obsequious; obsequious conduct. a. Ready compliance or obedience; eagerness to serve or please; dutiful service. Now rare or Obs.
1447O. Bokenham Seyntys (Roxb.) 157 In al this tyme wych so besyly She shewyd this meke obsequyousnesse. 1548Udall, etc. Erasm. Par. John xii. 82 This womans obsequiousnesse and benefite towardes me. 1638Rawley tr. Bacon's Life & Death (1650) 14 A singular good Mother, and Wife; And yet, no lesse Famous, for her Libertie, than Obsequiousnesse towards her Husband. 1767Lewis Statius x. 923 note, In order to win her Affections by his Obsequiousness.
b. Servile submission or complaisance; servility.
1613Sherley Trav. Persia 107 According to the corrupt condition of all Courts, in which the loue of obsequiousnesse to the Prince..is more power-able then the feare to do ill. 1727–38Gay Fables ii. iii. 23 With what obsequiousness they bend, to what vile actions condescend. 1877Black Green Past. xxx. (1878) 240 The obseqiousness..that marks the relations between the waiter..and the guest at an hotel. |