1. plural of diligence; careful and persistent work or effort
2. horse-drawn public stagecoaches, especially those used in France
Usage: historical; French origin

Examples

• The students showed great diligences in their research projects.
• Her various diligences in community service were recognized at the ceremony.
• The old diligences carried passengers between towns before the railway arrived.
• French diligences were the primary means of long-distance travel in the 18th century.
• The museum displayed models of historic diligences used throughout Europe.
• Their combined diligences resulted in a successful fundraising campaign.