disobligation

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   obsolete: an offence, discourtesy, or act that causes someone to feel disobliged

   The minister treated the public rebuke as a personal disobligation.

2. 2
   noun

   obsolete: the state or feeling of being offended or inconvenienced

   A minor disobligation was enough to cost an official his appointment.

3. 3
   noun

   release or freedom from an obligation

   Repeal of the rule brought complete disobligation from the former duty.

Formed from dis- + obligation and also associated with disoblige. Historical usage divided between release from a duty and a disobliging act or offence. Adam Smith uses the latter sense for a slight that provokes a ruler's displeasure.

Topics