Final answer:
In the quote, "love's austere and lonely offices," the word "offices" refers to official duties or functions associated with the act of love, which are often rigorous and conducted in isolation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The quote “love’s austere and lonely offices,” uses the word “offices” to refer to official duties or functions. In this context, “offices” means the various responsibilities, often unnoticed or unappreciated, that are associated with the act of love. The word conjures the sense of duty and service that may be rigorous, strict, or severe (“austere”) and undertaken in isolation (“lonely”), implying that acts of love are sometimes carried out without acknowledgment or in private.
In the quote, 'love's austere and lonely offices,' the word 'offices' refers to official duties or functions. Here, 'offices' is being used metaphorically to signify the tasks or responsibilities of love. It implies that love involves serious and solitary duties. It does not refer to physical workplaces, medical appointments or empty rooms.