marshal

I. noun also marshall Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French mareschal, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German marahscalc marshal, from marah horse + scalc servant Date: 13th century 1. a. 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 2. a. field marshal b. a general officer of the highest military rank 3. a. an officer having charge of prisoners b. (1) a ministerial officer appointed for a judicial district (as of the United States) 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 • marshalcy noun • marshalship noun II. verb also marshall (-shaled or -shalled; -shaling or marshalling) Date: 15th century transitive verb 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

> 3. to lead ceremoniously or solicitously ; usher <

marshaling her little group of children down the street

> intransitive verb to take form or order <

ideas marshaling neatly

> Synonyms: see order