timeserver

[ tahym-sur-ver ]

noun

1. a person who shapes their conduct to conform to the opinions of the time or of persons in power, especially for selfish ends.

timeserver

/ ˈtaɪmˌsɜːvə /

noun

1. a person who compromises and changes his or her opinions, way of life, etc, to suit the current fashions

Derived Forms

• ˈtimeˌserving, adjectivenoun

Other Words From

• timeserving adjective noun
• timeserving·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of timeserver¹

First recorded in 1565–75; time + server

Example Sentences

He scorned the ways of the demagogue and the timeserver, and believed that "men should be what they seem."

From Project Gutenberg

Miss Letitia Blandish, sister of the above, a fawning timeserver, who sponges on the wealthy.

From Project Gutenberg

I knew none other there, save the fox face of Tarbet, called the Timeserver.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• carpetbagger