Definition of diligence
(Entry 1 of 2)
1a
: steady, earnest, and energetic effort : devoted and painstaking work and application to accomplish an undertaking : assiduity
showed great diligence in tracking down the story He had earned universal respect for his integrity, fairness, and diligence.— John L. Sanders
2
law
: the attention and care legally expected or required of a person (such as a party to a contract) — see also due diligence
diligence
noun (2)Definition of diligence (Entry 2 of 2)
: stagecoach
The railway had driven coach companies out of business …. Once, the journey had taken three days by diligence.— Graham Robb
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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Time Traveler for diligence
The first known use of diligence was in the 14th century
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