duty
/ˈdu.ti/ noun B1- That which one is morally or legally obligated to do. · Do your duty by me! -No, we don't have a duty to keep you abreast.· 1805, 21 October, Horatio Nelson England expects that every man will do his duty.
- The state of being at work and responsible for or doing a particular task. · I’m on duty from 6 pm to 6 am.
- An excise tax; especially, one on imports or exports. · customs duty
- The efficiency of an engine in work done per unit of fuel; particularly, the number of pounds of water which a steam pumping engine can raise one foot by burning one bushel or hundredweight of coal.
- The act of urination or defecation, especially for a dog.
Plural duties
From the library
“DEAR SIR.—It has struck me that it is our duty to drain the moat, in the hope that we may find some—”
If you mean as responsible agent when you ask me the question, I believe there is nothing to say against him, and that you will be content with the way in which he has performed his duty.”
“Well, so much the better,” said the supercargo; “for it is not pleasant to think that a comrade has not done his duty.”
“As to taking command of the vessel,” replied Morrel, “that was his duty as captain’s mate; as to losing a day and a half off the Island of Elba, he was wrong, unless the vessel needed repairs.”
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