Emily Dickinson Lexicon

DU'TE-OUS, a. [from duty.]

1. Performing that which is due, or that which law, justice or propriety requires; obedient; respectful to those who have natural or legal authority to require service or duty; as, a duteous child or subject.
2. Obedient; obsequious; in a good or bad sense. Duteous to the vices of thy mistress. – Shak.
3. Enjoined by duty, or by the relation of one to another as, duteous ties. [Little used.] – Shak.