What is "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.

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.

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.

4. To keep account of; to enumerate and register; as, to mark the points in a game of billiards or cards.

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. To mark out.

   1. To designate, as by a mark; to select; as, the ringleaders were marked out for punishment.

   2. 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.

      Syn: To note; remark; notice; observe; regard; heed; show; evince; indicate; point out; betoken; denote; characterize; stamp; imprint; impress; brand.