Showing results for "devoirs"

• plural of devoir.

devoirs

British  

/ dəˈvwɑː, dəvwar /

plural noun

1. (sometimes singular) compliments or respects; courteous attentions

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Etymology

Origin of devoirs

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

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

devoirs

Hallowell and his wife of a few hours stood in their front door the morning after their marriage and saw the famous Frenchman paying his devoirs to Mrs. Lee.

From Seaport in Virginia George Washington's Alexandria by Gay Montague Moore

Carl made his decent devoirs to his hostess and tramped up-town through the flying snow, swinging his stick like an orchestra conductor, and whistling a waltz.

From The Trail of the Hawk A Comedy of the Seriousness of Life by Sinclair Lewis

The herald then, seeing each champion in his place, uplifted his voice, repeating thrice, Faites vos devoirs, preux chevaliers.

From Coronation Anecdotes by Giles Gossip

"Now, Papa," said the Girl, "just go right along and do your devoirs in there—and I'll stay and talk to him—" The father went obediently.

From The Literary Sense by E. (Edith) Nesbit

I wish you a good morning, and will pay my devoirs in a day or two to inquire after your health, and hear what has taken place.”

From Newton Forster The Merchant Service by Frederick Marryat