eyeservice

[ ahy-sur-vis ]

/ ˈaɪˌsɜr vɪs /

|

noun

work or service done only when the employer is watching.

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Nearby words

eyes in the back of one's head, have, eyes left, eyes open, with, eyes right, eyes-only, eyeservice, eyeshade, eyeshine, eyeshot, eyesight, eyesome

Origin of eyeservice

First recorded in 1520–30; eye + service¹

Related forms

eye·serv·ant, eye·serv·er, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for eye-service

Those who undertake the task are only actuated by gain, and you can expect but eye-service.
Olla Podrida|Frederick Marryat (AKA Captain Marryat)
Nor was this an unwilling obedience, an eye-service constrained by fear or force.
The Atlantic Monthly, Volume 15, No. 91, May, 1865|Various
His was no eye-service; his conscience was engaged in his work and he did it efficiently.
Verner's Pride|Mrs. Henry Wood