sergeant

 
Pronunciation: /ˈsɑːdʒ(ə)nt/

noun

  • a rank of non-commissioned officer in the army or air force, above corporal and below staff sergeant.
  • British a police officer ranking below an inspector.
  • US a police officer ranking below a lieutenant.

Derivatives

sergeancy

noun (plural sergeancies)

Origin:

Middle English: from Old French sergent, from Latin servient- 'serving', from the verb servire. Early use was as a general term meaning 'attendant, servant' and 'common soldier'; the term was later applied to specific official roles

Spelling help

The beginning of sergeant is spelled ser-; the ending is -geant.