| 释义 |
de·voir
\dəvˈwär, -wȯ(ə)r, ˈdevˌw-; dəˈvȯ(i)(ə)r\ noun
(-s)
Etymology: Middle English, alteration (influenced by Middle French devoir, from Old French devoir, deveir) of dever, from Old French devoir, deveir, from devoir, deveir, v., to owe, be obliged, be supposed, from Latin debēre — more at debt
1.
a. : an act or conduct that may be required or expected of one : assigned task : duty
< I'm a part-time detective. My devoir is to study … people — Christopher Morley >
b. obsolete : utmost effort : best endeavor
c. : an act of civility or respect
< a birthday devoir to the founder >
often : a formal act of greeting or leave-taking : respects — now usually used in plural
< he paid his devoirs to his hostess and hurried down the steps >
2. devoirs plural, obsolete : money due for payment of duties or customs |