martinet

American  

[mahr-tn-et, mahr-tn-et] / ˌmɑr tnˈɛt, ˈmɑr tnˌɛt /

noun

1. a strict disciplinarian, especially a military one.

2. someone who stubbornly adheres to methods or rules.

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martinet British  

/ ˌmɑːtɪˈnɛt /

noun

1. a person who maintains strict discipline, esp in a military force

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Other Word Forms

• martinetish adjective
• martinetism noun

Etymology

Origin of martinet

1670–80; after General Jean Martinet (died 1672), French inventor of a system of drill

Example Sentences

Van Zweden, in turn, was a martinet specialist in the standards who seemed appealing as an about-face from Gilbert, less electric in the core repertory.

From New York Times

But Laws isn’t just a martinet, or the avatar of a brutal institution.

From New York Times

As are the old-fashioned words — like “martinet,” “popinjay” and “annealed” — that Galloway sprinkles through the text, the way Leigh strewed the beloved posies from her various country estates.

From New York Times

In high school, Mr. Sahl joined the ROTC, and by his own account became an expert marksman and “something of a martinet.”

From Washington Post

Francis was a remarkable martinet, acting as the club’s traveling secretary and business manager.

From New York Times