[See TIME-SERVER, and SERVE v.1 11.] The action or conduct of a time-server; ‘trimming.’
1621. Burton, Anat. Mel., II. III. vi. 419. Let them goe on, get wealth,… by impudence, and time-seruing, let them … crosse me on every side.
1642. Fuller, Holy & Prof. St., III. xix. 202. There be foure kinds of Time-serving: first out of Christian discretion, which is commendable; second, out of humane infirmity, which is more pardonable; third and fourth, out of ignorance, or affection, both which are damnable.
1712. Addison, Spect., No. 445, ¶ 6. I have been accused by these despicable Wretches of Trimming, Time-serving.
1894. Mrs. Oliphant, Hist. Sk. Q. Anne, vi. 315. It was all devotion, not time-serving as the vulgar thought.
