muster

 
Pronunciation: /ˈmʌstə/

verb

[with object]
  • 1assemble (troops), especially for inspection or in preparation for battle: 17,000 men had been mustered on Haldon Hill
  • [no object] (of troops) gather for inspection or in preparation for battle: the cavalrymen mustered beside the other regiments
  • [no object] (of a group of people) gather together: reporters mustered outside her house
  • Australian/NZ round up (livestock): my father needed help with mustering sheep
  • 2collect or assemble (a number or amount): he could fail to muster a majority
  • summon up (a feeling, attitude, or response): he replied with as much dignity as he could muster

noun

  • a formal gathering of troops, especially for inspection, display, or exercise: he attended the musters, which were called to train all able-bodied men [mass noun]: a meeting was held to fix the times and places of muster
  • short for muster roll.
  • Australian/NZ a rounding up of livestock: a cattle muster
  • Australian informal the number of people attending a meeting.

Phrases

pass muster

be accepted as adequate or satisfactory: this manifesto would not pass muster with the voters

Phrasal Verbs

muster someone in (or out)

US enrol someone into (or discharge someone from) military service: soon after my arrival I got mustered in

Origin:

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