n. & v.
--n.
1. (Marshal) a a high-ranking officer in the armed forces (Air Marshal; Field Marshal; Marshal of France). b a high-ranking officer of state (Earl Marshal).
2 an officer arranging ceremonies, controlling procedure at races, etc.
3 US the head of a police or fire department.
4 (in full judge's marshal) Brit. an official accompanying a judge on circuit, with secretarial and social duties.
--v. (marshalled, marshalling; US marshaled, marshaling)
1. tr. arrange (soldiers, facts, one's thoughts, etc.) in due order.
2 tr. (often foll. by into, to) conduct (a person) ceremoniously.
3 tr. Heraldry combine (coats of arms).
4 intr. take up positions in due arrangement.
Phrases and idioms:
marshalling yard a railway yard in which goods trains etc. are assembled. Marshal of the Royal Air Force an officer of the highest rank in the Royal Air Force.
Derivatives:
marshaller n. marshalship n.
Etymology: ME f. OF mareschal f. LL mariscalcus f. Gmc, lit. 'horse-servant'