Etymology Map
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Marshal

3 stages from Frankish to English.

Today it means a high-ranking officer; a law officer

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

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