Толковый словарь английского языка Oxford English Reference - officer

n. & v. --n. 1 a person holding a position of authority or trust, esp. one with a commission in the armed services, in the mercantile marine, or on a passenger ship. 2 a policeman or policewoman. 3 a holder of a post in a society (e.g. the president or secretary). 4 a holder of a public, civil, or ecclesiastical office; a sovereign's minister; an appointed or elected functionary (usu. with a qualifying word: medical officer; probation officer; returning officer). 5 a bailiff (the sheriff's officer). 6 a member of the grade below commander in the Order of the British Empire etc. --v.tr. 1 provide with officers. 2 act as the commander of. Phrases and idioms officer of arms a herald or pursuivant. Etymology: ME f. AF officer, OF officier f. med.L officiarius f. L officium: see OFFICE