eyeservice

[ ahy-sur-vis ]
/ ˈaɪˌsɜr vɪs /

noun

work or service done only when the employer is watching.

QUIZZES

DO YOU KNOW THIS VOCABULARY FROM "THE HANDMAID'S TALE"?

"The Handmaid's Tale" was required reading for many of us in school. Everyone else has probably watched the very popular and addictive TV show. Do you remember this vocabulary from the book, and do you know what these terms mean?
Question 1 of 10
decorum
the act of or need for making up one's mind.
dignified propriety of behavior, speech, dress, etc.
a company of singers, especially an organized group employed in church service.
TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of eyeservice

First recorded in 1520–30; eye + service1

OTHER WORDS FROM eyeservice

eye·serv·ant, eye·serv·er, noun

Words nearby eyeservice

eyes in the back of one's head, have, eyes left, eyes open, with, eyes right, eyes-only, eyeservice, eyeshade, eyeshine, eyeshot, eyesight, eyesome
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

Example sentences 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