avocation

A calling away; a diversion.countableobsoleteuncountable

• 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.

A hobby or recreational or leisure pursuit.countableuncountable

• 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.
• Gardening is a wholesome avocation that encourages appreciation for nature and concern for the preservation and enhancement of our environment.

That which calls one away from one's regular employment or vocation.countableuncountable

Pursuits; duties; affairs which occupy one's time; usual employment; vocation.countableuncountable

• I have been received with unsurpassable politeness, delicacy, sweet temper, hospitality, consideration, and with unsurpassable respect for the privacy daily enforced upon me by the nature of my avocation here and the state of my health.

The calling of a case from an inferior to a superior court.countableuncountable