duty

English

/ˈdjuːti/, /duːti/

noun
Definitions
  • 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.
  • (obsolete) One's due, something one is owed; a debt or fee.
  • (obsolete) 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).

Etymology

Derived from Middle English duete, due, -te borrowed from Old French -te derived from Latin -tātem.

Origin

Latin

-tātem

Gloss

Timeline

Distribution of cognates by language

Geogrpahic distribution of cognates

Cognates and derived terms