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diligence1 definition

dili·gence (dil′ə jəns)

noun

  1. the quality of being diligent; constant, careful effort; perseverance
  2. Obsolete speed; haste
  3. Law the degree of attention or care expected of a person in a given situation

Etymology: ME < OFr < L diligentia < diligens, prp. of diligere, to esteem highly, select < di-, apart + legere, to choose, collect: see logic

diligence2 definition

dili·gence (dil′ə jəns; Fr dē lē z̸häns′)

noun

a public stagecoach, esp. as formerly used in France

Etymology: Fr < carrossedediligence, lit., coach of diligence, i.e., fast coach < fairediligence, to hurry

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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