sergeant

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   The highest rank of noncommissioned officer in some non-naval military forces and police.

   “Yes, there are two distinct sets of footprints, both wearing rubber shoes—one I think ordinary plimsolls, the other goloshes,” replied the sergeant.

2. 2
   noun

   A lawyer of the highest rank, equivalent to the doctor of civil law.

   All other sergeants and barristers indiscriminately (except in the Court of Common Pleas, where only sergeants are admitted) may take upon them the protection and defense of any suitors.

3. 3
   noun

   A title sometimes given to the servants of the sovereign.

   Sergeant surgeon, i.e. a servant, or attendant, surgeon.

4. 4
   noun

   a lawman with the rank of sergeant

From Middle English sergeant, sergeaunt, serjent, serjaunt, serjawnt, sergant, from Old French sergeant, sergent, serjant, sergient, sergant (“sergeant, servant”), from Medieval Latin servientem, accusative of serviēns (“a servant, vassal, soldier, apparitor”), from Latin serviēns (“serving”), present participle of serviō (“serve, be a slave to”). Doublet of servant and servient. The shift from /vj/ > /dʒ/ was a regular development in Old French. Compare cavea > cage, salvia > sage. The fish is so called because of its stripes, supposed to resemble a sergeant's insignia of rank. The pronunciat...

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