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. 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. marshaller n. marshalship n.
[ ME f. OF mareschal f. LL mariscalcus f. Gmc, lit. 'horse-servant' ]