n. 1 a non-commissioned Army or Air Force officer next below warrant officer. 2 a police officer ranking below (Brit.) inspector or (US) captain. company sergeant-major Mil. the highest non-commissioned officer of a company. Sergeant Baker Austral. a large brightly-coloured marine fish, Aulopus purpurissatus. sergeant-fish a marine fish, Rachycentron canadum, with lateral stripes suggesting a chevron. sergeant-major Mil. 1 (in full regimental sergeant-major) Brit. a warrant-officer assisting the adjutant of a regiment or battalion. 2 US the highest-ranking non-commissioned officer. sergeancy n. (pl. -ies). sergeantship n.
[ ME f. OF sergent f. L serviens -entis servant f. servire SERVE ]