Definitions
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noun
A room or building where people do business work.
Examples
- She works in an office downtown.
- Please send the documents to my office.
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noun
An important job or position, especially in government.
Examples
- She held office as a senator for ten years.
- He decided to run for office.
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noun
A position with special duties.
Examples
- When the office is empty, another official does its duties.
- The office of mayor carries a lot of responsibility.
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noun
In old use, a duty or service done for others.
Examples
- The steward performed his office at the feast.
- It was his office to open the gates each morning.
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noun
In church use, the set form of worship.
Examples
- The priest followed the office for the feast day.
- Every church used the same office on Easter morning.
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noun
In church use, a special set of prayers for an occasion.
Examples
- The monks said the Office of the Dead each evening.
- The Office of the Virgin has psalms and hymns.
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noun
A daily church prayer service without communion.
Examples
- The community gathered for the office each morning.
- Morning and evening office were said in the chapel.
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noun
The set of daily prayers read by priests and monks at fixed hours.
Examples
- Priests must read the Divine Office every day.
- He prayed the Divine Office at dawn.
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noun
A short prayer service held in the morning or evening.
Examples
- The chaplain led a short office before dinner.
- Each evening office ended with a blessing.
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noun
In old use, a final kind act or rite for a dead person.
Examples
- The family did the last office for their dead friend.
- Washing the body was a last office of love.
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noun
In church use, the opening song of a Mass.
Examples
- The choir sang the office before the priest came to the altar.
- The office opened the service with a hymn.