Definition of: sergeant

(sär′jənt) noun
1. A non–commissioned military officer ranking next above a corporal. See the table under GRADE.
2. In the United States, a police officer of rank next below a captain (sometimes lieutenant); in England, one next below an inspector.
3. Brit. Formerly, one who held land of the king by tenure of military service, or a squire or gentleman of less than knightly rank; one of the household officials of a sovereign.
4. A sergeant at arms.
5. A sergeant at law.
6. A constable or bailiff.
7. The sergeant fish. Also Serjeant.
—color sergeant A sergeant who standard.
—lance sergeant A corporal acting carries the regimental or national colors or as sergeant.
—mess sergeant A non–commissioned officer who plans meals, issues rations, and superintends the company mess under the mess officer. [<OF sergent, serjant <L serviens, ppr. of servire serve]
—ser′gean·cy, ser′geant·cy, ser′geant·ship noun