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