sergeant
//ˈsɑː.d͡ʒənt//
informalForms
- Plural
- sergeants
Definitions
1.A UK army rank with NATO code OR-6, senior to corporal and junior to warrant officer ranks.
2.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.
3.A bailiff.
4.A servant in monastic offices.
Frequency
Overall
Rare· #4030
By learning goal
- Everyday conversation
- Rare
- General reading & writing
- Rare
- Academic
- Rare
- Literature
- Rare
Etymology
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.