(a) a place where information may be obtained, esp. (in earlier use) regarding the appointment of domestic servants (now historical); (b) in later…

With the: the government department or agency which levies and collects customs duties, and which controls the flow of goods into and out of a…

In various special collocations. services rendered to a government, the nature of which cannot be disclosed to the public, but which are paid for…

a government department responsible for home affairs; (with the and capital initials) spec. = home office, n. 1b (now only in Secretary of State for…

Chiefly with capital initials. The department of a government concerned with home affairs (cf. home affairs, n. 1).

a government commission responsible for managing a port's trade and transportation infrastructure, such as harbours, airports, tunnels and…

War Department.

Chiefly British. Frequently with capital initial. A welfare centre or office; the staff of a welfare office or department (cf. welfare centre n. wel…

In plural (with plural or singular agreement). Frequently with capital initials. A government agency or department which provides such services.