marshal

M`ARSHAL, n.

1. The chief officer of arms, whose duty it is to regulate combats in the lists.

2. One who regulates rank and order at a feast or any other assembly, directs the order of procession and the like.

3. A harbinger; a pursuivant; one who goes before a prince to declare his coming and provide entertainment.

4. In France, the highest military officer. In other countries of Europe, a marshal is a military officer of high rank, and called field-marshal.

5. In America, a civil officer, appointed by the President and Senate of the United States, in each judicial district, answering to the sheriff of a county. His duty is to execute all precepts directed to him, issued under the authority of the United States.

6. An officer of any private society, appointed to regulate their ceremonies and execute their orders.

Earl marshal of England, the eighth officer of state; an honorary title, and personal, until made hereditary by Charles II, in the family of Howard. During a vacancy in the office of high constable, the earl marshal has jurisdiction in the court of chivalry.

Earl marshal of Scotland. This officer formerly had command of the cavalry, under the constable. This office was held by the family of Keith, but forfeited by rebellion in 1715.

Knight marshal, or marshal of the king's house, formerly an officer who was to execute the commands of the lord steward, and have the custody of prisoners committed by the court of verge; hence, the name of a prison in Southwark.

Marshal of the king's bench, an officer who has the custody of the prison called the king's bench, in Southwark. He attends on the court and has the charge of the prisoners committed by them.