ˈmɑ:ʃəl n. & v. --n. 1 (Marshal) a a high-ranking
officer in
the armed forces (Air Marshal;
Field Marshal; Marshal of France). b a high-ranking officer of
state (Earl Marshal). 2 an officer arranging ceremonies, controlling
procedure at races, etc. 3 US the
head of a
police or
fire department. 4 (in full judge's marshal)
Brit. an
official accompanying a
judge on
circuit,
with secretarial
and social duties. --v. (marshalled, marshalling; US marshaled, marshaling) 1 tr.
arrange (soldiers, facts, one's thoughts, etc.) in
due order. 2 tr. (often foll. by
into, to)
conduct (a person) ceremoniously. 3 tr.
Heraldry combine (coats of arms). 4 intr.
take up positions in due
arrangement. ømarshalling yard a
railway yard in
which goods trains etc. are assembled. Marshal of the
Royal Air Force an officer of the highest rank in the Royal Air Force. øømarshaller n. marshalship n. [ME f. OF mareschal f. LL mariscalcus f. Gmc,
lit. 'horse-servant']