charge of quarters

American  

noun

1. an enlisted person, usually a noncommissioned officer, who remains on duty and handles administrative matters in a military or other unit during the night or on holidays.

2. the duty of a charge of quarters.

---

charge of quarters British  

noun

1. a member of the armed forces who handles administration in his unit, esp after duty hours

---

Etymology

Origin of charge of quarters

First recorded in 1915–20

Example Sentences

The noncommissioned officer in charge of quarters, detailed for 24 hours goes on duty each day at reveille.

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

At sick call all men who are sick fall in and are marched to the regimental infirmary, under charge of the noncommissioned officer in charge of quarters.

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

At first call the non-commissioned officer in charge of quarters, or some other charged with that duty, will go through the barracks and awaken the men.

From Military Instructors Manual by Schoonmaker, Oliver

Aspen will be corporal in charge of quarters to-night.

From Uncle Sam's Boys with Pershing's Troops Dick Prescott at Grips with the Boche by Hancock, H. Irving (Harrie Irving)