official documents and letters; clerk (archaic)
Meanings
2 senses · 6 examplesnoun
general term for official documents and letters; official correspondence
formalRefers collectively to official paperwork and private letters in traditional or formal contexts. Often used in historical or bureaucratic settings.
The desk was piled high with documents waiting to be processed.
The exchange of official correspondence was very frequent.
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He buried himself in paperwork all day, having no time to attend to external affairs.
noun
clerk; copyist; secretary who handles documents (archaic term)
archaicAn archaic term for a job position in traditional government offices or private establishments, referring to a person responsible for handling documents and correspondence. No longer commonly used in modern contexts.
He served as a clerk in the yamen, responsible for handling incoming and outgoing official documents.
This old clerk wrote beautiful handwriting and was highly appreciated by his employer.
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The clerical work of old times has now largely been replaced by computers and printers.