martinet

[ mahr-tn-et, mahr-tn-et ]

noun

1. a strict disciplinarian, especially a military one.
2. someone who stubbornly adheres to methods or rules.

martinet

/ ˌmɑːtɪˈnɛt /

noun

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

Derived Forms

• ˌmartiˈnetism, noun
• ˌmartiˈnetish, adjective

Other Words From

• marti·netish adjective
• marti·netism noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of martinet¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of martinet¹

C17: from French, from the name of General Martinet, drillmaster under Louis XIV

Example Sentences

Schiano, the former coach at Rutgers, brought a reputation with him as a harsh disciplinarian and a martinet.

From The Daily Beast

Whereas Lessard had acted the martinet with MacRae, he took another tack and became the very essence of affability toward me.

From Project Gutenberg

The colonel was absolutely military to the backbone, a martinet even in home life, although "his bark was worse than his bite."

From Project Gutenberg

Newspapers wrote of him that, "a martinet to subordinates, he was known for the most unruly of lieutenants."

From Project Gutenberg

Though an officer of the regular army, he brings home to one the fact that the days of the military martinet have gone for ever.

From Project Gutenberg

The first of them was Captain Bulger, an unfortunate martinet, though a man of good conscience and high ideals.

From Project Gutenberg