a courteous expression (by word or deed) of esteem or regard; "his deference to her wishes was very flattering"; "be sure to give my respects to the dean"
courteous regard for people's feelings; "in deference to your wishes"; "out of respect for his privacy"
delivered at the moment of parting as if in flight or retreat; "paused to deliver a parting shot at the door"; "a Parthian volley of expletives from Uncle Billy"- Bret Harte