Of*fi"cious (?), a. [L. officiosus: cf.F. officieux. See Office.]

1.

Pertaining to, or being in accordance with, duty.

[R.]

If there were any lie in the case, it could be no more than as officious and venial one. Note on Gen. xxvii. (Douay version).

2.

Disposed to serve; kind; obliging.

[Archaic]

Yet not to earth are those bright luminaries Officious. Milton.

They were tolerably well bred, very officious, humane, and hospitable. Burke.

3.

Importunately interposing services; intermeddling in affairs in which one has no concern; meddlesome.

You are too officious In her behalf that scorns your services. Shak.

Syn. -- Impertinent; meddling. See Impertinent.

-- Of*fi"cious*ly, adv. -- Of*fi"cious*ness, n.

 

© Webster 1913.

Log in or register to write something here or to contact authors.