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.
Phrases and idioms:
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.
Derivatives:
sergeancy n. (pl. -ies). sergeantship n.
Etymology: ME f. OF sergent f. L serviens -entis servant f. servire SERVE