officer

 
Pronunciation: /ˈɒfɪsə/

noun

  • 1a person holding a position of authority, especially one with a commission, in the armed services, the mercantile marine, or on a passenger ship: he is also a serving officer in the army
  • a policeman or policewoman: the RUC has 8,150 full-time officers tougher sentences for attacks on police officers
  • a bailiff.
  • 2a holder of a public, civil, or ecclesiastical office: a probation officer the Chief Medical Officer
  • a holder of a senior post in a society, company, or other organization: a chief executive officer
  • 3a member of a certain grade in some honorary orders, such as the grade next below commander in the Order of the British Empire.

verb

[with object]
  • provide with military officers: the aristocracy wielded considerable power, officering the army
  • act as the commander of (a unit): foreign mercenaries were hired to officer new regiments

Origin:

Middle English: via Anglo-Norman French from medieval Latin officiarius, from Latin officium (see office)