n 1: an courteous expression (by word or deed) of esteem or
regard; "his deference to her wishes was very
flattering"; "be sure to give my respects to the dean"
[syn: respect]
2: courteous regard for people's feelings; "in deference to
your wishes"; "out of respect for his privacy" [syn: respect, respectfulness]
3: a disposition or tendency to yield to the will of others
[syn: complaisance, compliance, compliancy, obligingness]