noun pl. bureaus -·reaus or bureaux -·reaux (-ōz)

1. a writing table or desk, with drawers for papers
2. ☆ a chest of drawers, with or without a mirror, as for clothing
3. 1. an agency for collecting and giving information or performing other services a credit bureau, a travel bureau
   2. a local office of such an agency
4. ☆ a government department, or a subdivision of a government department

Etymology: Fr, writing table or desk, office < OFr burel, coarse cloth (as table cover) < VL *bura < LL burra, wool, shaggy garment