Eye-servant

arch. [f. EYE sb.¹ + SERVANT.] One who serves the eye; one who does his duty only when under the eye of his master or employer.

1552.  Latimer, Serm. Lord’s Prayer, v. Wks. (Parker Soc.), 394. The most part of servants are but eye-servants.

1613.  Answ. Uncasing Machivils Instr., F iij b. Keepe not an eye seruant within thy doore.

1682.  Flavel, Fear, 19. ’Tis the reproach of the servants of men to be eye-servants.

1832.  Carlyle, Remin., I. (1881), 6. No one … will ever say, Here was the finger of a hollow eye-servant.