- marshal
-
I. noun
also marshall
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French mareschal, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German marahscalc marshal, from marah horse + scalc servant
Date: 13th century
1.
a. a high official in the household of a medieval king, prince, or noble originally having charge of the cavalry but later usually in command of the military forces
b. a person who arranges and directs the ceremonial aspects of a gathering
2.
a. field marshal
b. a general officer of the highest military rank
3.
a. an officer having charge of prisoners
b.
(1) a ministerial officer appointed for a judicial district (as of the United States) to execute the process of the courts and perform various duties similar to those of a sheriff
(2) a city law officer entrusted with particular duties
c. the administrative head of a city police department or fire department
• marshalcy noun
• marshalship noun
II. verb
also marshall
(-shaled or -shalled; -shaling or marshalling)
Date: 15th century
transitive verb
1. to place in proper rank or position <marshaling the troops> 2. to bring together and order in an appropriate or effective way <marshal arguments> 3. to lead ceremoniously or solicitously ; usher <marshaling her little group of children down the street> intransitive verb to take form or order <ideas marshaling neatly> Synonyms: see order
New Collegiate Dictionary. 2001.