Emily Dickinson Lexicon

DIL'I-GENT, a. [L. diligens.]

1. Steady in application to business; constant in effort or exertion to accomplish what is undertaken; assiduous; attentive; industrious; not idle or negligent; applied to persons. Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings. – Prov. xxii.
2. Steadily applied; prosecuted with care and constant effort; careful; assiduous; as, make diligent search. The judges shall make diligent inquisition. – Judges xix.