duty

Meaning

Noun

• That which one is morally or legally obligated to do.
• The state of being at work and responsible for or doing a particular task.
• A tax placed on imports or exports; a tariff.
• One's due, something one is owed; a debt or fee.
• Respect; reverence; regard; act of respect; homage.
• The efficiency of an engine, especially a steam pumping engine, as measured by work done by a certain quantity of fuel; usually, the number of pounds of water lifted one foot by one bushel of coal (94 lbs. old standard), or by 1 cwt. (112 lbs., England, or 100 lbs., United States).

Related

Similar words

• obligation

Opposite words

• duty-free (taxes)
• right

Origin

• From Middle English duete, from Middle English dewe) + Middle English -te, (borrowed from Old French -te from Latin -tātem, accusative masculine singular of -tās). Akin to due + -ty (Alternative of -ity).