Main Entry: ¹of·fi·cer

Pronunciation: \ˈä-fə-sər, ˈȯ-\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin officiarius, from Latin officium

Date: 14th century

1 a obsolete : agent b : one charged with police duties
2 : one who holds an office of trust, authority, or command <the officers of the bank> <chief executive officer>
3 a : one who holds a position of authority or command in the armed forces; specifically : commissioned officer b : the master or any of the mates of a merchant or passenger ship