sergeant at arms

noun

1. an executive officer of a legislative or other body, whose duty it is to enforce its commands, preserve order, etc.

sergeant at arms

noun

1. an officer of a legislative or fraternal body responsible for maintaining internal order
2. (formerly) an officer who served a monarch or noble, esp as an armed attendant

Word History and Origins

Origin of sergeant at arms¹

Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400

Example Sentences

MacKay also had been a bagpiper and the sergeant-at-arms of the Inland Empire Emerald Society.

From The Daily Beast

The Office of the Sergeant-at-Arms said Thursday that both would still operate, although perhaps in limited numbers.

From The Daily Beast

The Tallest Delegate was called smartly to order; he rebelled, but when threatened with the sergeant-at-arms subsided amid jeers.

From Project Gutenberg

If either speaker had addressed the other by name, the advent of the Sergeant-at-Arms would have been the next thing looked for.

From Project Gutenberg

Sergeant-at-Arms marched in, mace on shoulder, escorting Lord Mayor and two sheriffs.

From Project Gutenberg

When all the states had thus voted, the ballot-boxes were to be carried by the sergeant-at-arms to two separate tables.

From Project Gutenberg

The day came when Uncle Billy was forcibly put into his seat by a disgusted sergeant-at-arms.

From Project Gutenberg