transferring 40 percent of its economic interest [...] officious behavior that many protested

The guards were adamant they could not come in. It seemed as if after their heart-in-mouth journey, the officious defences of their own side might stymie them.

They were speaking to each other with tinkling officiousness, like two administrators filling out a form together.

the officious viciousness of the Nazi occupation of the country

a woman brimming with affection, a woman so adroitly officious that she gave the impression of belonging to whomever she was addressing