1
general::
1. Occupy oneself for an interval, as in The plane was six hours late but I passed the time reading a book. 2. pass the time of day. Exchange greetings, engage in pleasantries, chat, as in Whenever I met her we would stop to pass the time of day. [First half of 1800s]
American Heritage Idioms
2
general::
Phrase(s): pass the time (of day)
to spend time doing something; to consume or use spare time by doing something. • I read to pass the time while waiting in the doctor’s office. • I passed the time of day by talking to Dave.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs