Obsequiousness


[uh b-see-kwee-uh s] /əbˈsi kwi əs/

adjective
1.
characterized by or showing servile complaisance or deference; fawning:
an obsequious bow.
2.
servilely compliant or deferential:
obsequious servants.
3.
obedient; dutiful.
/əbˈsiːkwɪəs/
adjective
1.
obedient or attentive in an ingratiating or servile manner
2.
(rare) submissive or compliant
adj.

late 15c., “prompt to serve,” from Middle French obséquieux (15c.), from Latin obsequiosus “compliant, obedient,” from obsequium “compliance, dutiful service,” from obsequi “to accommodate oneself to the will of another,” from ob “after” (see ob-) + sequi “to follow” (see sequel). Pejorative sense of “fawning, sycophantic” had emerged by 1590s. Related: Obsequiously; obsequiousness (mid-15c.).

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