marshal

Where does the word "marshal" come from? It comes from Frankish marhskalk, passing through Old French before entering English (1200s).

Marshal’s story begins in Frankish: marhskalk meant “horse-servant.” A Frankish word: 'marh' horse, plus 'skalk' servant. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as mareschal. A groom rose to command the cavalry. It reached English by 1200s as marshal. 'field marshal' and US marshals came later. Today, marshal means a high-ranking officer; a law officer.

1. Stage 1 · Frankish · ancient marhskalk "horse-servant", a Frankish word: 'marh' horse, plus 'skalk' servant.
2. Stage 2 · Old French · medieval mareschal "farrier; commander", a groom rose to command the cavalry.
3. Stage 3 · English · 1200s marshal "horse officer", 'field marshal' and US marshals came later.