Subscriber login


Forgot your password?

Library card login

Other

muster

Syllabification: (mus·ter)
Pronunciation: /ˈməstər/
Translate muster | into French | into German | into Italian | into Spanish
Definition of muster

verb

[with object]
  • 1assemble (troops), especially for inspection or in preparation for battle.
  • [no object] (of troops) come together for inspection or preparation:the cavalrymen mustered beside the other regiments
  • [no object] (of a group of people) gather together:reporters mustered outside her house
  • 2collect or assemble (a number or amount):he could fail to muster a majority
  • summon up (a particular feeling, attitude, or response):he replied with as much dignity as he could muster I finally mustered up the courage to call them

noun

  • a formal gathering of troops, especially for inspection, display, or exercise.
  • short for muster roll.

Phrases

pass muster

be accepted as adequate or satisfactory:a treaty that might pass muster with the voters

Phrasal Verbs

muster someone in (or out)

US enroll someone into (or discharge someone from) military service.

Origin:

late Middle English: from Old French moustrer (verb), moustre (noun), from Latin monstrare 'to show'

muster in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of muster in the British & World English dictionary