I. ˈȯfə̇sə(r), ˈäf- sometimes -fs- noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French officier, from Medieval Latin officiarius, from Latin officium office + -arius -ary — more at office
1.
a. obsolete : one charged with a duty : agent
b. : one charged with administering and maintaining the law (as a constable, bailiff, sheriff)
officers of the peace
the officer on duty at a traffic corner
c. : a chief official engaged in domestic management or service in a large household or a college
officers of the royal household
2. : one who holds an office : one who is appointed or elected to serve in a position of trust, authority, or command especially as specifically provided for by law
officers of state
officer in the foreign service
officer of a bank
the club held a meeting to elect its officers for the year
— distinguished from employee and sometimes from official
3.
a. : one who holds a position of authority or command in the armed forces ; specifically : one who holds a commission
separate clubs for officers and enlisted men
— see noncommissioned officer , petty officer , warrant officer
b. : the master or any of the mates of a merchant or passenger ship
the officers' rooms opened off the dining room — H.A.Chippendale
4.
a. : a member of an honorary order in a grade above the lowest
officer of the Legion of Honor
b. in the Salvation Army : a person trained and commissioned to engage in paid full-time service — see salvationist ; compare local officer
II. transitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
1. : to furnish with officers : appoint officers over
supply and officer a militia
2. : to command or direct as an officer
veterans officered the recruits
the troops were well officered