If Tom senses even the slightest lack of obsequious deference, he explodes into a hail of random and spontaneous insults.

The contract provides for a deferred payment over three years.

These might be guarantees, extended trial periods, deferred payment plans or the bundling of add-on products.

Does a dream deferred fester like a sore?

English used to have two forms for "you," one intimate and one "polite." No more. But where status matters, and a deferential address is called for, the third person is pressed into service; and the headwaiter asks, "Does the gentleman want a table?"

Although you are able to win, sometimes yield to a friend, since through deference, sweet friends are preserved.

Vair, who was to be revered as a Sufi saint, was noticed in a bazaar because of his deferential bearing by a stranger, who, taking him for a slave, approached and asked, "Are you looking for your master?"

No! I am not Prince Hamlet, nor was meant to be; am an attendant lord, one that will do to swell a progress, start a scene or two, advise the prince; no doubt, an easy tool, deferential, glad to be of use, politic, cautious, and meticulous; full of high sentence, but a bit obtuse; at times, indeed, almost ridiculous— almost, at times, the Fool.

The payment will be deferred for two years.

I defer to your judgement.