kitchen police

American  

noun

Military.

1. soldiers detailed by roster or as punishment to assist in kitchen duties.

2. duty as assistant to the cooks. K.P.

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kitchen police British  

plural noun

1.  KP.  soldiers who have been detailed to work in the kitchen, esp as a punishment

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Etymology

Origin of kitchen police

First recorded in 1915–20

Example Sentences

Jimmy Durante got himself made "honorary brigadier general" and honorary head of kitchen police, at Camp Langdon, N.H.

From Time Magazine Archive

In the regular service the roster covers guard duty and other duties, notably kitchen, police and other fatigue work.

From Military Instructors Manual by Schoonmaker, Oliver

A large tent was erected for the kitchen and it was there that the men were initiated into the secrets of "kitchen police."

From History of Ambulance Company Number 139 by Various

There were a few details, such as sweeping the cars, kitchen police or serving the meals "de luxe" to the boys, but the old beloved guard detail was not left to the privates.

From History of Ambulance Company Number 139 by Various

The excused list should include in each company only the mess sergeant, the two cooks, one kitchen police, and men on regimental guard.

From Manual for Noncommissioned Officers and Privates of Infantry of the Army of the United States, 1917 To be used by Engineer companies (dismounted) and Coast Artillery companies for Infantry instruction and training by United States War Department