Timeserving n. An obsequious compliance with the spirit of the times, or the humors of those in power, which implies a surrender of one's independence, and sometimes of one's integrity.
Synonyms:Temporizing.Timeserving, Temporizing. Both these words are applied to the conduct of one who adapts himself servilely to times and seasons. A timeserver is rather active, and a temporizer, passive. One whose policy is timeserving comes forward to act upon principles or opinions which may promote his advancement; one who is temporizing yields to the current of public sentiment or prejudice, and shrinks from a course of action which might injure him with others. The former is dishonest; the latter is weak; and both are contemptible. "Trimming and timeserving, which are but two words for the same thing,... produce confusion.""(I) pronounce thee... a hovering temporizer, that Canst with thine eyes at once see good and evil, Inclining to them both."
adjective
Timeserving adj. Obsequiously complying with the spirit of the times, or the humors of those in power.
... given the preference in order of narrative, as well as in memory, to guides who proved competent, willing, and true, who, if they seasoned the intercourse between us with a little encouragement to my self-esteem, had nothing in them obsequious or timeserving, and who set me a wholesome example of clear convictions and firmness in the maintenance of right. But not only are the virtues of the race whom I have chosen for a theme subjects of congratulation; even the uncertainties and misfits of these ... — The Atlantic Monthly, Volume 13, No. 80, June, 1864 • Various Read full book for free!
... that the freed man would not become a public charge. But, defective as it was, it was not long without attack. In 1798, Simcoe had left the province never to return, and while the government was being administered by the timeserving Peter Russell,[10] a bill was introduced into the Lower House to enable persons "migrating into the province to bring their negro slaves with them." The bill was contested at every stage but finally passed on a vote of eight to four. In the Legislative Council it received ... — The Journal of Negro History, Volume 5, 1920 • Various Read full book for free!
... the hare but run with the hounds; nager entre deux eaux [Fr.]; wait to see how the cat jumps, wait to see how the wind blows. Adj. changeful &c 149; irresolute &c 605; ductile, slippery as an eel, trimming, ambidextrous, timeserving^; coquetting &c v.. revocatory^, reactionary. Phr. a change came o'er the ... — Roget's Thesaurus of English Words and Phrases: Body • Roget Read full book for free!
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