Ob-bē'di-ence, n.

n. [Fr. obédience, Pr. obediença, Sp. & Pg. obediencia, It. obbedienza, ubbidienza, obēdientia. See infra.] The state of being obedient; compliance with that which is required by authority; subjection to rightful restraint or control.

Government must compel the obedience of individuals; otherwise, who will seek its protection or fear its vengeance? Ames.

☞ Obedience is not synonymous with obsequiousness, the latter often implying meanness or servility, and obedience being merely a proper submission to authority.