duties

Noun

duty (countable and uncountable, plural duties)

1. That which one is morally or legally obligated to do.
   • Do your duty by me! -No, we don't have a duty to keep you abreast.

   Synonyms:

   obligation

2. (uncountable) The state of being at work and responsible for or doing a particular task.
   • I’m on duty from 6 pm to 6 am.
3. (countable) An excise tax; especially, one on imports or exports.
   • customs duty

   Synonyms:

   excise duty

4. (obsolete) One's due, something one is owed; a debt or fee.
   • Take that which is thy duty, and goo thy waye.1526, [William Tyndale, transl.], The Newe Testamẽt […] (Tyndale Bible), [Worms, Germany: Peter Schöffer], →OCLC, Matthew
5. (obsolete) Respect; reverence; regard; act of respect; homage.
   • my duty to you1599 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Life of Henry the Fift”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount...
6. The efficiency of an engine in work done per unit of fuel; particularly, the number of pounds of water which a steam pumping engine can raise one foot by burning one bushel or hundredweight of coal.

See all 8 meanings of duty