serjeant-at-arms
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- A parliamentary or court officer responsible for maintaining order and enforcing commands: A "serjeant-at-arms" is an official, typically serving in a legislative body (like Parliament or Congress) or a court of law, whose duties include ensuring decorum, security, and carrying out the instructions of the presiding officer or the body itself.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- The Speaker ordered the serjeant-at-arms to remove the disruptive member from the chamber.
- In the medieval court, the serjeant-at-arms was responsible for the custody of prisoners.
Advanced Usage
- Historical and Ceremonial Role: In many modern parliaments, the role of the serjeant-at-arms combines practical security duties with significant ceremonial functions, such as carrying the mace, a symbol of authority.
- The serjeant-at-arms preceded the Speaker into the chamber, bearing the ceremonial mace.
Variants and Related Words
- Sergeant-at-arms: This is a common alternative spelling for "serjeant-at-arms." The two forms are used interchangeably, though "serjeant" is the older spelling often retained in formal and traditional contexts (e.g., the UK Parliament).
- Sergeant: A distinct term for a rank in the police or military. It is related etymologically but refers to a different office.
Synonyms
- Bailiff: An officer of the court who keeps order and executes processes.
- Marshal: An officer who carries out ceremonial duties and maintains order.
- Usher: An officer who shows people to their seats and keeps order in a court or legislative body.
Related Phrases
- To be in the custody of the serjeant-at-arms: To be under the official detention or control of this officer, often as a form of parliamentary discipline.
- The witness was held in the custody of the serjeant-at-arms for contempt of Parliament.
Noun
- an officer (as of a legislature or court) who maintains order and executes commands