The Only Use of
deference
in
Passing, by Nella Larsen
- But if Clare Kendry's appearance had in it anything that was, to Brian Redfield, annoying or displeasing, the fact was not discernible to his wife as, with an uneasy feeling of guilt, she stood there looking into his face while Clare explained that she and he had made their own introductions, accompanying her words with a little deferential smile for Brian, and receiving in return one of his amused, slightly mocking smiles.†
p. 75.9deferential = politely respectful
Definitions:
-
(1)
(deference) polite respect -- often when submitting to another's wishes
-
(2)
(meaning too rare to warrant focus) meaning too rare to warrant focus