devoir

[ duh-vwahr, dev-wahr; French duh-vwar ]

noun

, plural de·voirs [d, uh, -, vwahrz, dev, -wahrz, d, uh, -, vwar].

1. an act of civility or respect.
2. devoirs, respects or compliments:

   to pay devoirs to rank and celebrity.

3. something for which a person is responsible; duty.

Word History and Origins

Origin of devoir¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English devoir, deveir, dever, from Old French devoir ( Anglo-French deveir, dever ), from Latin dēbēre “to owe”; debt

Example Sentences

L le pere Birat dit la Messe, & fit ce qu'il peut pour ranger vn chacun ce qui estoit du devoir.

From Project Gutenberg

Adieu, mon ami; je vous souhaiterais un devoir plus agreable a remplir.

From Project Gutenberg

I hope you do not deem the devoir of a country gentleman incompatible with the duties of a statesman?

From Project Gutenberg

You will have leisure, therefore, if it please you to take service under me, in which to learn your devoir.

From Project Gutenberg

It is easy, lady, for a man to ride forth in the light of day, and do his devoir when all men have eyes for him.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• accountability
• agreement
• bond
• burden
• commitment
• constraint
• contract
• debt
• duty
• liability
• necessity
• need
• promise
• requirement
• right
• trust
• understanding