eyeservice

[ ahy-sur-vis ]

noun
  1. work or service done only when the employer is watching.

Origin of eyeservice

1
First recorded in 1520–30; eye + service1

Other words from eyeservice

  • eyeservant, eyeserver, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use eyeservice in a sentence

  • He was prepared to find among the men in his crew the average amount of laziness and eye–service, of ill–temper and jealousy.

    Fighting the Sea | Edward A. Rand
  • Nor was this an unwilling obedience, an eye-service constrained by fear or force.

  • He knew he could not give up these things—eye-service, lip-service, heart-service—of which he had supped so thirstily.

    Little Novels of Italy | Maurice Henry Hewlett
  • Those who undertake the task are only actuated by gain, and you can expect but eye-service.

    Olla Podrida | Frederick Marryat (AKA Captain Marryat)
  • His was no eye-service; his conscience was engaged in his work and he did it efficiently.

    Verner's Pride | Mrs. Henry Wood