[dil.i.gence] n [ME, fr. MF, fr. L diligentia, fr. diligent-, diligens] (14c) 1 a: persevering application: assiduity b obs: speed, haste
2: the attention and care legally expected or required of a person (as a party to a contract)
[2]di.li.gence n [F, lit., haste, fr. MF, persevering application] (1742): stagecoach