sergeant at arms

noun phrase

: an officer of an organization (such as a legislative body or court of law) who preserves order and executes commands

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web The debate on the bill was interrupted twice by protesters shouting until Senate President Kathleen Passidomo ordered the sergeant at arms to escort everyone out of the galleries and shut them down. —

Jeffrey Schweers, Orlando Sentinel, 4 Apr. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'sergeant at arms.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of sergeant at arms was in the 14th century

See more words from the same century

Dictionary Entries Near sergeant at arms

sergeant

sergeant at arms

sergeant-at-law

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Sergeant at arms.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sergeant%20at%20arms. Accessed 9 Jun. 2023.

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