eyeservice

[ ahy-sur-vis ]
/ ˈaɪˌsɜr vɪs /

noun

work or service done only when the employer is watching.

Origin of eyeservice

First recorded in 1520–30; eye + service1

OTHER WORDS FROM eyeservice

eye·serv·ant, eye·serv·er, noun

Words nearby eyeservice

eyes in the back of one's head, have, eyes left, eyes open, with, eyes right, eyes-only, eyeservice, eyeshade, eyeshine, eyeshot, eyesight, eyesome

Example sentences from the Web for eye-service

  • Those who undertake the task are only actuated by gain, and you can expect but eye-service.

    Olla Podrida |Frederick Marryat (AKA Captain Marryat)

  • Nor was this an unwilling obedience, an eye-service constrained by fear or force.

    The Atlantic Monthly, Volume 15, No. 91, May, 1865 |Various

  • His was no eye-service; his conscience was engaged in his work and he did it efficiently.

    Verner's Pride |Mrs. Henry Wood