devoirs

British  

/ dəvwar, dəˈvwɑː /

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

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 Lewis, Sinclair

Yes, he came; he will remain in Regis to-night, and when less fatigued will pay his devoirs to Mrs. Brand.

From Faithful Margaret A Novel by Ashmore, Annie

Je n’ai rencontr� personne qui s�t concilier � ce point tous les devoirs, tous les sentiments, toutes les ide�s.

From The Greville Memoirs (Second Part) A Journal of the Reign of Queen Victoria from 1837 to 1852 (Volume 1 of 3) by Greville, Charles

The old gentleman drew the marquis away before he had had time to pay his devoirs to Julie, who had shrunk at his approach into the background, and left the little group to themselves.

From The International Magazine, Volume 2, No. 2, January, 1851 by Various

He wanted to come up here and pay his devoirs to you, but I evaded the honour.

From A Daughter of the Vine by Atherton, Gertrude Franklin Horn