devoirs

/ dəvwar; dəˈvwɑː /

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

Yea, for mine," Polly answered; "or else for M. de la Motte's, who came in to pay his devoirs to her, for the first time, I take it, since her lord's death.

From Project Gutenberg

"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 Project Gutenberg

She will soon find herself neglected; but at the same time she will find the loss of a husband's praises amply supplied by the devoirs of a hundred, all equal, and many superior to him.

From Project Gutenberg

Persis cast her eyes up in despair and hastened to pay her devoirs to her mother-in-law.

From Project Gutenberg

De Troyes now seldom left his cabin; and when, in the way of duty, I made my devoirs, and he asked after the men, I made shift to hide the truth.

From Project Gutenberg