(?), n. [F., fr. L. officium, for opificium; ops ability, wealth, help + facere to do or make. See Opulent, Fact.] 1.
That which a person does, either voluntarily or by appointment, for, or with reference to, others; customary duty, or a duty that arises from the relations of man to man; as, kind offices, pious offices.
[1913 Webster]
-I would I could do a good office between you. Shak.
[1913 Webster]
2.
A special duty, trust, charge, or position, conferred by authority and for a public purpose; a position of trust or authority; as, an executive or judical office; a municipal office.
[1913 Webster]
3.
A charge or trust, of a sacred nature, conferred by God himself; as, the office of a priest under the old dispensation, and that of the apostles in the new.
[1913 Webster]
-Inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office. Rom. xi. 13.
[1913 Webster]
4.
That which is performed, intended, or assigned to be done, by a particular thing, or that which anything is fitted to perform; a function; -- answering to duty in intelligent beings.
[1913 Webster]
-They [the eyes] resign their office and their light. Shak.
[1913 Webster]
-Hesperus, whose office is to bring
:
