obsequium

noun

ob·​se·​qui·​um

äbˈsēkwēəm

plural obsequia

-ēə

: the customary respectful behavior due from a freedman to his patron or former master under ancient Roman law including freedom from lawsuit by the freedman except with the consent of the praetor and the duty to support the patron when needy

Word History

Etymology

Latin, literally, compliance

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