All 3 Uses of
obsequious
in
The Scarlet Pimpernel
- He was dressed in the soutane, broad-brimmed hat and buckled shoes habitual to the French CURE, but as he stood opposite the innkeeper, he threw open his soutane for a moment, displaying the tri-colour scarf of officialism, which sight immediately had the effect of transforming Brogard's attitude of contempt, into one of cringing obsequiousness.†
Chpt 24obsequiousness = excessive eagerness to flatter or serve
- Chauvelin sat down at the table, which had been prepared for the tall Englishman, and the innkeeper busied himself obsequiously round him, dishing up the soup and pouring out the wine.†
Chpt 24obsequiously = in a manner that is excessively eager to flatter or serve
- "At least five, I should say, your Excellency," he replied obsequiously.†
Chpt 26 *
Definition:
too eager to please, flatter, or obey someone -- often in a way that seems insincere