23 September 2013

obsequious

[uhb-see-kwee-uhs]

adjective

1. characterized by or showing servile complaisance or deference; fawning: an obsequious bow.
2. servilely compliant or deferential: obsequious servants.
3. obedient; dutiful.
Origin:
1375–1425; late Middle English < Latin obsequiōsus, equivalent to obsequi ( um ) compliance ( obsequ ( ī ) to comply with ( ob- ob- + sequī to follow) + -ium -ium) + -ōsus -ous

Related forms
ob·se·qui·ous·ly, adverb
ob·se·qui·ous·ness, noun
o·ver·ob·se·qui·ous, adjective
o·ver·ob·se·qui·ous·ly, adverb
o·ver·ob·se·qui·ous·ness, noun

Can be confused: obsequies, obsequious.

Synonyms
1. sycophantic, flattering. 2. cringing, submissive. See servile.

Today’s aphorism

It’s a sad man my friend who’s livin’ in his own skin and can’t stand the company.

– Bruce Springsteen

On this day

23 September 63BC – birth of Augustus Caesar, founder of the Roman Empire and first Roman Emperor.

23 September 1122 – The Concordat of Worms, sometimes known as Pactum Calixtinum, which was an agreement between Pope Calixtinum and Holy Roman Emperor Henry V, near the City of Worms, to end the first phase of the power struggle between the Papacy and the Emperors by granting Kings the right to grant Bishops in their territories with secular authority, but not sacred authority. Bishops then swore allegiance to the King and the Pope. The Kings could also call on them for military support.

23 September 1215 – birth of Kublai Khan, of the Mongol Empire. He was the grandson of Genghis Khan. In 1271, Kublia Khan established the Yuan Empire ruling over modern-day Mongolia, China and Korea. He became the first non-Chinese Emperor to conquer all of China. He died on 18 February 1294.

23 September 1913 – French aviator Roland Garros, becomes the first person to fly across the Mediterranean Sea.

23 September 1949 – birth of Bruce Springsteen (a.k.a. The Boss), American rocker.