obsequious

PRONUNCIATION: (ob-SEE-kwee-uhs, uhb-)

MEANING:
adjective: Behaving in an ingratiating or servile manner.

ETYMOLOGY:
Earlier the word meant obedient or dutiful, with no connotations of fawning. Over time it has taken a negative turn. From Latin obsequiosus (compliant), from obsequi (to comply), from ob- (to) + sequi (follow), which also gave us obsequy. Earliest documented use: 1447.

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OBSEXQUIOUS - adjective: Behaving in an ingratiating sexual manner with no accompanying connotations of fawning.