to mark time

Mark \Mark\ (m[aum]rk), v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Marked}
   (m[aum]rkt); p. pr. & vb. n. {Marking}.] [OE. marken, merken,
   AS. mearcian, from mearc. See {Mark} the sign.]
   1. To put a mark upon; to affix a significant mark to; to
      make recognizable by a mark; as, to mark a box or bale of
      merchandise; to mark clothing.
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   2. To be a mark upon; to designate; to indicate; -- used
      literally and figuratively; as, this monument marks the
      spot where Wolfe died; his courage and energy marked him
      for a leader.
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   3. To leave a trace, scratch, scar, or other mark, upon, or
      any evidence of action; as, a pencil marks paper; his
      hobnails marked the floor.
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   4. To keep account of; to enumerate and register; as, to mark
      the points in a game of billiards or cards.
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   5. To notice or observe; to give attention to; to take note
      of; to remark; to heed; to regard; as, mark my words.
      "Mark the perfect man." --Ps. xxxvii. 37.
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   {To mark out}.
      (a) To designate, as by a mark; to select; as, the
          ringleaders were marked out for punishment.
      (b) To obliterate or cancel with a mark; as, to mark out
          an item in an account.

   {To mark time} (Mil.), to keep the time of a marching step by
      moving the legs alternately without advancing.
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   Syn: To note; remark; notice; observe; regard; heed; show;
        evince; indicate; point out; betoken; denote;
        characterize; stamp; imprint; impress; brand.
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