surveillant

[ ser-vey-luhnt, -veyl-yuhnt ]

adjective

1. exercising surveillance.

noun

1. a person who exercises surveillance.

Word History and Origins

Origin of surveillant¹

1810–20; < French, present participle of surveiller ( surveillance, -ant )

Example Sentences

Then, as the surveillant of the dining hall gave the signal, the pupils rose and left.

From Project Gutenberg

Half a dozen of the eldest succeeded in obtaining leave, and I was commissioned to accompany them as surveillant.

From Project Gutenberg