devoirs

/ dəˈvwɑː; dəvwar /

plural noun

1. sometimes singular compliments or respects; courteous attentions

Word History and Origins

Origin of devoirs¹

C13: from Old French: duty, from devoir to be obliged to, owe, from Latin dēbēre; see debt

Example Sentences

The Major, whose devoirs to Camilla always sought, not avoided the public eye, eagerly pursued her.

From Project Gutenberg

It is to be feared, madam, that such rumors are well founded, but the party who form the forlorn hope have their devoirs also.

From Project Gutenberg

We, of course, lost as little time as possible in paying our devoirs to so wondrous a personage.

From Project Gutenberg

Maine Chance has been paying his devoirs with great impartiality to two young ladies.

From Project Gutenberg

What think you of my ceremony in calling at the earliest chance to pay my devoirs to the Provost of this burgh and his daughter?

From Project Gutenberg