variants:
or less commonly marshall
Definition of marshal
(Entry 1 of 2)
1a
: a high official in the household of a medieval king, prince, or noble originally having charge of the cavalry but later usually in command of the military forces
b
: a person who arranges and directs the ceremonial aspects of a gathering
a parade marshal
2a
: field marshal
b
: a general officer of the highest military rank
3a
: an officer having charge of prisoners
b(1)
: a ministerial (see ministerial sense 3) officer appointed for a judicial district (as of the U.S.) to execute the process of the courts and perform various duties similar to those of a sheriff
(2)
: a city law officer entrusted with particular duties
c
: the administrative head of a city police department or fire department
marshal
verb
variants:
or less commonly marshall
Definition of marshal (Entry 2 of 2)
1
: to place in proper rank or position
marshaling the troops
2
: to bring together and order in an appropriate or effective way
marshal arguments marshaled her thoughts before answering the question
3
: to lead ceremoniously or solicitously : usher
marshaling her little group of children down the street
: to take form or order
ideas marshaling neatly
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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Time Traveler for marshal
The first known use of marshal was in the 13th century
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