This is the 815th most frequent French word.
attendant
"Attendant" in French means "waiting" or "expecting."
Here, 'attendant' is used as a present participle to indicate an action happening at the same time as 'he was reading a book'.
En attendant l'autobus, il lisait un livre.
While waiting for the bus, he was reading a book.
In this case, 'attendant' functions as a participle to modify 'documents,' indicating a state of awaiting a condition.
Les documents attendant d'être signés sont sur le bureau.
The documents waiting to be signed are on the desk.
Here, 'attendant' refers to someone who waits or is in anticipation of receiving further instruction.