avocation

Etymology

From Latin āvocātiō (“a distraction”), from avocō (“I call off, distract”).

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA^(key): /avə(ʊ)ˈkeɪʃən/
• (US) IPA^(key): /ævoʊˈkeɪʃən/, /ævəˈkeɪʃən/
• Hyphenation: av‧o‧ca‧tion

Noun

avocation (plural avocations)

1. (obsolete) A calling away; a diversion.
   • 1749, Henry Fielding, Tom Jones, Folio Society 1973, p. 204:

     But though she could neither sleep nor rest in her bed, yet, having no avocation from it, she was found there by her father at his return from Allworthy's, which was not till past ten o'clock in the morning.

2. A hobby or recreational or leisure pursuit.
   • 1934, Robert Frost, Two Tramps in Mud Time

     But yield who will to their separation,

     My object in living is to unite

     My avocation and my vocation

     As my two eyes make one in sight.

3. That which calls one away from one's regular employment or vocation.
4. Pursuits; duties; affairs which occupy one's time; usual employment; vocation.

See also

• volunteerism