Chapter X · Chapter 10

used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one

From this reading FOUR EYES Beyond the barracks of the Legion, going toward the Porte de Tlemcen, and opposite the drill-ground and cavalry barracks of the Spahis, there is a sign: _Bureau de Recrutement_.

later than; following

From this reading Early in the morning after taking his resolution, Max walked down the narrow, lane-like way which led off from the Rue de Tlemcen and the long front wall of the Legion's barracks, and found the door indicated by the sign.

the feeling that accompanies something extremely surprising

From this reading He looked up, surprised to see such a visitor as Max, and was at some trouble to hide his amazement on hearing that this well-dressed young man, evidently a gentleman, wished to enlist in the Legion.

a native or inhabitant of the United States

From this reading Opening off the outer room, with its white-washed walls and display of posters tempting to recruits, was another office, the _Bureau du Commandant de Recrutement_, and there Max was received by a lieutenant, older than most of the men of that rank in the English or American armies.

used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together

From this reading FOUR EYES Beyond the barracks of the Legion, going toward the Porte de Tlemcen, and opposite the drill-ground and cavalry barracks of the Spahis, there is a sign: _Bureau de Recrutement_.

one more of the same kind, or a different one

From this reading Opening off the outer room, with its white-washed walls and display of posters tempting to recruits, was another office, the _Bureau du Commandant de Recrutement_, and there Max was received by a lieutenant, older than most of the men of that rank in the English or American armies.

plural of “army” — a permanent organization of the military land forces of a nation or state

From this reading Opening off the outer room, with its white-washed walls and display of posters tempting to recruits, was another office, the _Bureau du Commandant de Recrutement_, and there Max was received by a lieutenant, older than most of the men of that rank in the English or American armies.

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading He looked up, surprised to see such a visitor as Max, and was at some trouble to hide his amazement on hearing that this well-dressed young man, evidently a gentleman, wished to enlist in the Legion.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading He looked up, surprised to see such a visitor as Max, and was at some trouble to hide his amazement on hearing that this well-dressed young man, evidently a gentleman, wished to enlist in the Legion.

completely unclothed

From this reading In a bare office room, furnished with a table and a few benches, sat a corporal, busily writing.

plural of “barrack” — a building or group of buildings used to house military personnel

From this reading FOUR EYES Beyond the barracks of the Legion, going toward the Porte de Tlemcen, and opposite the drill-ground and cavalry barracks of the Spahis, there is a sign: _Bureau de Recrutement_.

plural of “bench” — a long seat for more than one person

From this reading In a bare office room, furnished with a table and a few benches, sat a corporal, busily writing.

on the far side of; further than

From this reading FOUR EYES Beyond the barracks of the Legion, going toward the Porte de Tlemcen, and opposite the drill-ground and cavalry barracks of the Spahis, there is a sign: _Bureau de Recrutement_.

an administrative unit of government

From this reading FOUR EYES Beyond the barracks of the Legion, going toward the Porte de Tlemcen, and opposite the drill-ground and cavalry barracks of the Spahis, there is a sign: _Bureau de Recrutement_.

in a busy manner

From this reading In a bare office room, furnished with a table and a few benches, sat a corporal, busily writing.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Early in the morning after taking his resolution, Max walked down the narrow, lane-like way which led off from the Rue de Tlemcen and the long front wall of the Legion's barracks, and found the door indicated by the sign.

troops trained to fight on horseback

From this reading FOUR EYES Beyond the barracks of the Legion, going toward the Porte de Tlemcen, and opposite the drill-ground and cavalry barracks of the Spahis, there is a sign: _Bureau de Recrutement_.

an officer in command of a military unit

From this reading Opening off the outer room, with its white-washed walls and display of posters tempting to recruits, was another office, the _Bureau du Commandant de Recrutement_, and there Max was received by a lieutenant, older than most of the men of that rank in the English or American armies.

a noncommissioned officer in the Army or Air Force or Marines

From this reading In a bare office room, furnished with a table and a few benches, sat a corporal, busily writing.

a Mid-Atlantic state; one of the original 13 colonies

From this reading FOUR EYES Beyond the barracks of the Legion, going toward the Porte de Tlemcen, and opposite the drill-ground and cavalry barracks of the Spahis, there is a sign: _Bureau de Recrutement_.

something intended to communicate a particular impression

From this reading Opening off the outer room, with its white-washed walls and display of posters tempting to recruits, was another office, the _Bureau du Commandant de Recrutement_, and there Max was received by a lieutenant, older than most of the men of that rank in the English or American armies.

a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle

From this reading Early in the morning after taking his resolution, Max walked down the narrow, lane-like way which led off from the Rue de Tlemcen and the long front wall of the Legion's barracks, and found the door indicated by the sign.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading Early in the morning after taking his resolution, Max walked down the narrow, lane-like way which led off from the Rue de Tlemcen and the long front wall of the Legion's barracks, and found the door indicated by the sign.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading FOUR EYES Beyond the barracks of the Legion, going toward the Porte de Tlemcen, and opposite the drill-ground and cavalry barracks of the Spahis, there is a sign: _Bureau de Recrutement_.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Opening off the outer room, with its white-washed walls and display of posters tempting to recruits, was another office, the _Bureau du Commandant de Recrutement_, and there Max was received by a lieutenant, older than most of the men of that rank in the English or American armies.

at or near the beginning of a period of time or course of events or before the usual or expected time

From this reading Early in the morning after taking his resolution, Max walked down the narrow, lane-like way which led off from the Rue de Tlemcen and the long front wall of the Legion's barracks, and found the door indicated by the sign.

an Indo-European language belonging to the West Germanic branch; the official language of Britain and the United States and most of the commonwealth countries

From this reading Opening off the outer room, with its white-washed walls and display of posters tempting to recruits, was another office, the _Bureau du Commandant de Recrutement_, and there Max was received by a lieutenant, older than most of the men of that rank in the English or American armies.

join the military

From this reading He looked up, surprised to see such a visitor as Max, and was at some trouble to hide his amazement on hearing that this well-dressed young man, evidently a gentleman, wished to enlist in the Legion.

unmistakably (“plain” is often used informally for “plainly”)

From this reading He looked up, surprised to see such a visitor as Max, and was at some trouble to hide his amazement on hearing that this well-dressed young man, evidently a gentleman, wished to enlist in the Legion.

opinion or judgment

From this reading FOUR EYES Beyond the barracks of the Legion, going toward the Porte de Tlemcen, and opposite the drill-ground and cavalry barracks of the Spahis, there is a sign: _Bureau de Recrutement_.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number

From this reading In a bare office room, furnished with a table and a few benches, sat a corporal, busily writing.

set up or found

From this reading Early in the morning after taking his resolution, Max walked down the narrow, lane-like way which led off from the Rue de Tlemcen and the long front wall of the Legion's barracks, and found the door indicated by the sign.

the cardinal number that is the sum of three and one

From this reading FOUR EYES Beyond the barracks of the Legion, going toward the Porte de Tlemcen, and opposite the drill-ground and cavalry barracks of the Spahis, there is a sign: _Bureau de Recrutement_.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Early in the morning after taking his resolution, Max walked down the narrow, lane-like way which led off from the Rue de Tlemcen and the long front wall of the Legion's barracks, and found the door indicated by the sign.

the side that is forward or prominent

From this reading Early in the morning after taking his resolution, Max walked down the narrow, lane-like way which led off from the Rue de Tlemcen and the long front wall of the Legion's barracks, and found the door indicated by the sign.

provided with whatever is necessary for a purpose (as furniture or equipment or authority)

From this reading In a bare office room, furnished with a table and a few benches, sat a corporal, busily writing.

a man of refinement

From this reading He looked up, surprised to see such a visitor as Max, and was at some trouble to hide his amazement on hearing that this well-dressed young man, evidently a gentleman, wished to enlist in the Legion.

the act of departing

From this reading FOUR EYES Beyond the barracks of the Legion, going toward the Porte de Tlemcen, and opposite the drill-ground and cavalry barracks of the Spahis, there is a sign: _Bureau de Recrutement_.

a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading He looked up, surprised to see such a visitor as Max, and was at some trouble to hide his amazement on hearing that this well-dressed young man, evidently a gentleman, wished to enlist in the Legion.

(law) a proceeding (usually by a court) where evidence is taken for the purpose of determining an issue of fact and reaching a decision based on that evidence

From this reading He looked up, surprised to see such a visitor as Max, and was at some trouble to hide his amazement on hearing that this well-dressed young man, evidently a gentleman, wished to enlist in the Legion.

prevent from being seen or discovered

From this reading He looked up, surprised to see such a visitor as Max, and was at some trouble to hide his amazement on hearing that this well-dressed young man, evidently a gentleman, wished to enlist in the Legion.

belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned

From this reading Early in the morning after taking his resolution, Max walked down the narrow, lane-like way which led off from the Rue de Tlemcen and the long front wall of the Legion's barracks, and found the door indicated by the sign.

inside something, or within a place, period, or state

From this reading Early in the morning after taking his resolution, Max walked down the narrow, lane-like way which led off from the Rue de Tlemcen and the long front wall of the Legion's barracks, and found the door indicated by the sign.

past form of “indicate” — be a signal for or a symptom of

From this reading Early in the morning after taking his resolution, Max walked down the narrow, lane-like way which led off from the Rue de Tlemcen and the long front wall of the Legion's barracks, and found the door indicated by the sign.

the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading FOUR EYES Beyond the barracks of the Legion, going toward the Porte de Tlemcen, and opposite the drill-ground and cavalry barracks of the Spahis, there is a sign: _Bureau de Recrutement_.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading Opening off the outer room, with its white-washed walls and display of posters tempting to recruits, was another office, the _Bureau du Commandant de Recrutement_, and there Max was received by a lieutenant, older than most of the men of that rank in the English or American armies.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Early in the morning after taking his resolution, Max walked down the narrow, lane-like way which led off from the Rue de Tlemcen and the long front wall of the Legion's barracks, and found the door indicated by the sign.

diode such that light emitted at a p-n junction is proportional to the bias current; color depends on the material used

From this reading Early in the morning after taking his resolution, Max walked down the narrow, lane-like way which led off from the Rue de Tlemcen and the long front wall of the Legion's barracks, and found the door indicated by the sign.

archaic terms for army

From this reading FOUR EYES Beyond the barracks of the Legion, going toward the Porte de Tlemcen, and opposite the drill-ground and cavalry barracks of the Spahis, there is a sign: _Bureau de Recrutement_.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Early in the morning after taking his resolution, Max walked down the narrow, lane-like way which led off from the Rue de Tlemcen and the long front wall of the Legion's barracks, and found the door indicated by the sign.

a commissioned military officer

From this reading Opening off the outer room, with its white-washed walls and display of posters tempting to recruits, was another office, the _Bureau du Commandant de Recrutement_, and there Max was received by a lieutenant, older than most of the men of that rank in the English or American armies.

primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified

From this reading Early in the morning after taking his resolution, Max walked down the narrow, lane-like way which led off from the Rue de Tlemcen and the long front wall of the Legion's barracks, and found the door indicated by the sign.

past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards

From this reading He looked up, surprised to see such a visitor as Max, and was at some trouble to hide his amazement on hearing that this well-dressed young man, evidently a gentleman, wished to enlist in the Legion.

an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading He looked up, surprised to see such a visitor as Max, and was at some trouble to hide his amazement on hearing that this well-dressed young man, evidently a gentleman, wished to enlist in the Legion.

street names for gamma hydroxybutyrate

From this reading Early in the morning after taking his resolution, Max walked down the narrow, lane-like way which led off from the Rue de Tlemcen and the long front wall of the Legion's barracks, and found the door indicated by the sign.

the force of workers available

From this reading Opening off the outer room, with its white-washed walls and display of posters tempting to recruits, was another office, the _Bureau du Commandant de Recrutement_, and there Max was received by a lieutenant, older than most of the men of that rank in the English or American armies.

the time period between dawn and noon

From this reading Early in the morning after taking his resolution, Max walked down the narrow, lane-like way which led off from the Rue de Tlemcen and the long front wall of the Legion's barracks, and found the door indicated by the sign.

used to form the superlative

From this reading Opening off the outer room, with its white-washed walls and display of posters tempting to recruits, was another office, the _Bureau du Commandant de Recrutement_, and there Max was received by a lieutenant, older than most of the men of that rank in the English or American armies.

make or become more narrow or restricted

From this reading Early in the morning after taking his resolution, Max walked down the narrow, lane-like way which led off from the Rue de Tlemcen and the long front wall of the Legion's barracks, and found the door indicated by the sign.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading FOUR EYES Beyond the barracks of the Legion, going toward the Porte de Tlemcen, and opposite the drill-ground and cavalry barracks of the Spahis, there is a sign: _Bureau de Recrutement_.

from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)

From this reading Early in the morning after taking his resolution, Max walked down the narrow, lane-like way which led off from the Rue de Tlemcen and the long front wall of the Legion's barracks, and found the door indicated by the sign.

place of business where professional or clerical duties are performed

From this reading In a bare office room, furnished with a table and a few benches, sat a corporal, busily writing.

advanced in years; (“aged” is pronounced as two syllables)

From this reading Opening off the outer room, with its white-washed walls and display of posters tempting to recruits, was another office, the _Bureau du Commandant de Recrutement_, and there Max was received by a lieutenant, older than most of the men of that rank in the English or American armies.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading He looked up, surprised to see such a visitor as Max, and was at some trouble to hide his amazement on hearing that this well-dressed young man, evidently a gentleman, wished to enlist in the Legion.

an open or empty space in or between things

From this reading Opening off the outer room, with its white-washed walls and display of posters tempting to recruits, was another office, the _Bureau du Commandant de Recrutement_, and there Max was received by a lieutenant, older than most of the men of that rank in the English or American armies.

being directly across from each other; facing

From this reading FOUR EYES Beyond the barracks of the Legion, going toward the Porte de Tlemcen, and opposite the drill-ground and cavalry barracks of the Spahis, there is a sign: _Bureau de Recrutement_.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Opening off the outer room, with its white-washed walls and display of posters tempting to recruits, was another office, the _Bureau du Commandant de Recrutement_, and there Max was received by a lieutenant, older than most of the men of that rank in the English or American armies.

being on the outside or further from a center

From this reading Opening off the outer room, with its white-washed walls and display of posters tempting to recruits, was another office, the _Bureau du Commandant de Recrutement_, and there Max was received by a lieutenant, older than most of the men of that rank in the English or American armies.

the Ottoman court in Constantinople

From this reading FOUR EYES Beyond the barracks of the Legion, going toward the Porte de Tlemcen, and opposite the drill-ground and cavalry barracks of the Spahis, there is a sign: _Bureau de Recrutement_.

plural of “poster” — a sign posted in a public place as an advertisement

From this reading Opening off the outer room, with its white-washed walls and display of posters tempting to recruits, was another office, the _Bureau du Commandant de Recrutement_, and there Max was received by a lieutenant, older than most of the men of that rank in the English or American armies.

a row or line of people (especially soldiers or police) standing abreast of one another

From this reading Opening off the outer room, with its white-washed walls and display of posters tempting to recruits, was another office, the _Bureau du Commandant de Recrutement_, and there Max was received by a lieutenant, older than most of the men of that rank in the English or American armies.

conforming to the established language usage of educated native speakers

From this reading Opening off the outer room, with its white-washed walls and display of posters tempting to recruits, was another office, the _Bureau du Commandant de Recrutement_, and there Max was received by a lieutenant, older than most of the men of that rank in the English or American armies.

plural of “recruit” — a recently enlisted soldier

From this reading Opening off the outer room, with its white-washed walls and display of posters tempting to recruits, was another office, the _Bureau du Commandant de Recrutement_, and there Max was received by a lieutenant, older than most of the men of that rank in the English or American armies.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading FOUR EYES Beyond the barracks of the Legion, going toward the Porte de Tlemcen, and opposite the drill-ground and cavalry barracks of the Spahis, there is a sign: _Bureau de Recrutement_.

a formal expression by a meeting; agreed to by a vote

From this reading Early in the morning after taking his resolution, Max walked down the narrow, lane-like way which led off from the Rue de Tlemcen and the long front wall of the Legion's barracks, and found the door indicated by the sign.

an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling

From this reading In a bare office room, furnished with a table and a few benches, sat a corporal, busily writing.

European strong-scented perennial herb with grey-green bitter-tasting leaves; an irritant similar to poison ivy

From this reading Early in the morning after taking his resolution, Max walked down the narrow, lane-like way which led off from the Rue de Tlemcen and the long front wall of the Legion's barracks, and found the door indicated by the sign.

the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians

From this reading In a bare office room, furnished with a table and a few benches, sat a corporal, busily writing.

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading He looked up, surprised to see such a visitor as Max, and was at some trouble to hide his amazement on hearing that this well-dressed young man, evidently a gentleman, wished to enlist in the Legion.

a perceptible indication of something not immediately apparent (as a visible clue that something has happened)

From this reading FOUR EYES Beyond the barracks of the Legion, going toward the Porte de Tlemcen, and opposite the drill-ground and cavalry barracks of the Spahis, there is a sign: _Bureau de Recrutement_.

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading He looked up, surprised to see such a visitor as Max, and was at some trouble to hide his amazement on hearing that this well-dressed young man, evidently a gentleman, wished to enlist in the Legion.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading FOUR EYES Beyond the barracks of the Legion, going toward the Porte de Tlemcen, and opposite the drill-ground and cavalry barracks of the Spahis, there is a sign: _Bureau de Recrutement_.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading He looked up, surprised to see such a visitor as Max, and was at some trouble to hide his amazement on hearing that this well-dressed young man, evidently a gentleman, wished to enlist in the Legion.

taken unawares or suddenly and feeling wonder or astonishment

From this reading He looked up, surprised to see such a visitor as Max, and was at some trouble to hide his amazement on hearing that this well-dressed young man, evidently a gentleman, wished to enlist in the Legion.

a set of data arranged in rows and columns

From this reading In a bare office room, furnished with a table and a few benches, sat a corporal, busily writing.

the act of someone who picks up or takes something

From this reading Early in the morning after taking his resolution, Max walked down the narrow, lane-like way which led off from the Rue de Tlemcen and the long front wall of the Legion's barracks, and found the door indicated by the sign.

highly attractive and able to arouse hope or desire

From this reading Opening off the outer room, with its white-washed walls and display of posters tempting to recruits, was another office, the _Bureau du Commandant de Recrutement_, and there Max was received by a lieutenant, older than most of the men of that rank in the English or American armies.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading Opening off the outer room, with its white-washed walls and display of posters tempting to recruits, was another office, the _Bureau du Commandant de Recrutement_, and there Max was received by a lieutenant, older than most of the men of that rank in the English or American armies.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading He looked up, surprised to see such a visitor as Max, and was at some trouble to hide his amazement on hearing that this well-dressed young man, evidently a gentleman, wished to enlist in the Legion.

used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind

From this reading FOUR EYES Beyond the barracks of the Legion, going toward the Porte de Tlemcen, and opposite the drill-ground and cavalry barracks of the Spahis, there is a sign: _Bureau de Recrutement_.

in or at that place or location

From this reading FOUR EYES Beyond the barracks of the Legion, going toward the Porte de Tlemcen, and opposite the drill-ground and cavalry barracks of the Spahis, there is a sign: _Bureau de Recrutement_.

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading He looked up, surprised to see such a visitor as Max, and was at some trouble to hide his amazement on hearing that this well-dressed young man, evidently a gentleman, wished to enlist in the Legion.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading FOUR EYES Beyond the barracks of the Legion, going toward the Porte de Tlemcen, and opposite the drill-ground and cavalry barracks of the Spahis, there is a sign: _Bureau de Recrutement_.

used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive

From this reading He looked up, surprised to see such a visitor as Max, and was at some trouble to hide his amazement on hearing that this well-dressed young man, evidently a gentleman, wished to enlist in the Legion.

in the direction of

From this reading FOUR EYES Beyond the barracks of the Legion, going toward the Porte de Tlemcen, and opposite the drill-ground and cavalry barracks of the Spahis, there is a sign: _Bureau de Recrutement_.

a source of difficulty

From this reading He looked up, surprised to see such a visitor as Max, and was at some trouble to hide his amazement on hearing that this well-dressed young man, evidently a gentleman, wished to enlist in the Legion.

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading He looked up, surprised to see such a visitor as Max, and was at some trouble to hide his amazement on hearing that this well-dressed young man, evidently a gentleman, wished to enlist in the Legion.

someone who visits

From this reading He looked up, surprised to see such a visitor as Max, and was at some trouble to hide his amazement on hearing that this well-dressed young man, evidently a gentleman, wished to enlist in the Legion.

past form of “walk” — use one's feet to advance; advance by steps

From this reading Early in the morning after taking his resolution, Max walked down the narrow, lane-like way which led off from the Rue de Tlemcen and the long front wall of the Legion's barracks, and found the door indicated by the sign.

an architectural partition with a height and length greater than its thickness; used to divide or enclose an area or to support another structure

From this reading Early in the morning after taking his resolution, Max walked down the narrow, lane-like way which led off from the Rue de Tlemcen and the long front wall of the Legion's barracks, and found the door indicated by the sign.

plural of “wall” — an architectural partition with a height and length greater than its thickness; used to divide or enclose an area or to support another structure

From this reading Opening off the outer room, with its white-washed walls and display of posters tempting to recruits, was another office, the _Bureau du Commandant de Recrutement_, and there Max was received by a lieutenant, older than most of the men of that rank in the English or American armies.

the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading He looked up, surprised to see such a visitor as Max, and was at some trouble to hide his amazement on hearing that this well-dressed young man, evidently a gentleman, wished to enlist in the Legion.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading Early in the morning after taking his resolution, Max walked down the narrow, lane-like way which led off from the Rue de Tlemcen and the long front wall of the Legion's barracks, and found the door indicated by the sign.

having tasteful clothing and being scrupulously neat

From this reading He looked up, surprised to see such a visitor as Max, and was at some trouble to hide his amazement on hearing that this well-dressed young man, evidently a gentleman, wished to enlist in the Legion.

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading Early in the morning after taking his resolution, Max walked down the narrow, lane-like way which led off from the Rue de Tlemcen and the long front wall of the Legion's barracks, and found the door indicated by the sign.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Opening off the outer room, with its white-washed walls and display of posters tempting to recruits, was another office, the _Bureau du Commandant de Recrutement_, and there Max was received by a lieutenant, older than most of the men of that rank in the English or American armies.

past form of “wish” — hope for; have a wish

From this reading He looked up, surprised to see such a visitor as Max, and was at some trouble to hide his amazement on hearing that this well-dressed young man, evidently a gentleman, wished to enlist in the Legion.

in the company of; together with

From this reading In a bare office room, furnished with a table and a few benches, sat a corporal, busily writing.

the act of creating written works

From this reading In a bare office room, furnished with a table and a few benches, sat a corporal, busily writing.

(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth

From this reading He looked up, surprised to see such a visitor as Max, and was at some trouble to hide his amazement on hearing that this well-dressed young man, evidently a gentleman, wished to enlist in the Legion.