[ 'sα:dʒ(ə)nt ]
■ noun
1》 a rank of non-commissioned officer in the army or air force, above corporal and below staff ~.
2》 Brit. a police officer ranking below an inspector.
3》 US a police officer ranking below a lieutenant.
Derivatives
sergeancy noun ( plural sergeancies ).
Origin
ME (in senses 'attendant, servant' and 'common soldier'): from OFr. sergent , from L. servire 'serve'.