Home UK English obsequence

Meaning of obsequence in English:

obsequence

Pronunciation /ˈɒbsɪkw(ə)ns/

noun

rare US

  • Compliance, complaisance, obsequiousness; deference, servility.

    Apparently unattested in the later 17th and 18th centuries.

Origin

Early 16th century; earliest use found in Receyt Ladie Kateryne. From classical Latin obsequentia compliance, deference (from obsequent-, obsequēns + -ia); compare -ence.