/mas"teuhr euht ahrmz", mah"steuhr-/ , n. , pl. masters-at-arms .
1. an officer of a fraternal organization, veterans' society, or the like, empowered to maintain order, exclude unauthorized persons, etc.
2. Navy. a petty officer who has various duties, such as keeping order on the ship, taking charge of prisoners, etc.
[ 1740-50 ]