\Time"serv`ing\, a.
Obsequiously complying with the spirit of the times, or the
humors of those in power.

\Time"serv`ing\, n.
An obsequious compliance with the spirit of the times, or the
humors of those in power, which implies a surrender of one's
independence, and sometimes of one's integrity.
Syn: Temporizing.
Usage: {Timeserving}, {Temporizing}. Both these words are
       applied to the conduct of one who adapts himself
       servilely to times and seasons. A timeserver is rather
       active, and a temporizer, passive. One whose policy is
       timeserving comes forward to act upon principles or
       opinions which may promote his advancement; one who is
       temporizing yields to the current of public sentiment
       or prejudice, and shrinks from a course of action
       which might injure him with others. The former is
       dishonest; the latter is weak; and both are
       contemptible.
             Trimming and timeserving, which are but two
             words for the same thing, . . . produce
             confusion.                        --South.
             [I] pronounce thee . . . a hovering temporizer,
             that Canst with thine eyes at once see good and
             evil, Inclining to them both.     --Shak.