sergeant

Where does the word "sergeant" come from? It comes from Latin servientem, passing through Old French before entering English (1500s).

Sergeant’s story begins in Latin: servientem meant “serving.” From 'servire', to serve, the same root as 'servant'. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as sergent. A servant or retainer, later an officer who enforced a lord's orders. It reached English by 1500s as sergeant. Fixed as a military rank in the 16th century. Today, sergeant means a non-commissioned military rank; a police rank above constable.

1. Stage 1 · Latin · ancient servientem "serving", from 'servire', to serve, the same root as 'servant'.
2. Stage 2 · Old French · medieval sergent "servant, officer", a servant or retainer, later an officer who enforced a lord's orders.
3. Stage 3 · English · 1500s sergeant "a non-commissioned officer", fixed as a military rank in the 16th century.