I. dil·i·gence ˈdiləjən(t)s noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle French, care, persevering application, haste, from Latin diligentia care, persevering application, from diligent-, diligens + -ia -y
1.
a. obsolete : caution or care
b. : persevering application : devoted and painstaking application to accomplish an undertaking : assiduity
the proverbial diligence of the bee
c. obsolete : an act of labor or exertion
d. obsolete : speed or haste
go hence with diligence ! — Shakespeare
e. obsolete : persistent effort to please
2.
a. Scot law
(1) : a process or warrant of the court to attach the person or property of a defendant to secure a judgment
(2) : a process or warrant to enforce the appearance in court of a party or witness or to compel the production of a document
(3) : the process of execution to enforce a judgment already entered
b. : the attention and care required of a person (as of a party to a contract)
diligence that may be required of a bailee
— opposed to negligence
II. di·li·gence |diləˈzhäⁿs, |dēl-, ˈdiləjən(t)s noun
( plural dili·gences -äⁿs(ə̇z), -ən(t)sə̇z)
Etymology: French, literally, haste
: a large closed public horse-drawn carriage formerly used especially for long journeys