master-at-arms

American  

[mas-ter-uht-ahrmz, mah-ster-] / ˈmæs tər ətˈɑrmz, ˈmɑ stər- /

noun

plural

masters-at-arms

1. an officer of a fraternal organization, veterans' society, or the like, empowered to maintain order, exclude unauthorized persons, etc. MAA

2. Navy. a petty officer who has various duties, such as keeping order on the ship, taking charge of prisoners, etc. MAA

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master-at-arms British  

noun

1. the senior rating, of Chief Petty Officer rank, in a naval unit responsible for discipline, administration, and police duties

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Etymology

Origin of master-at-arms

First recorded in 1740–50

Example Sentences

Maekar offers Ser Duncan a place at their family seat of Summerhall so he can stay with Egg and finish his own training under an approved master-at-arms.

From Salon • Feb. 23, 2026

Adamiak is a master-at-arms, the Navy’s military police.

From Washington Times • Oct. 25, 2022

Melville’s sailor hero opposes Claggart, the cruel master-at-arms.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 24, 2020

Denison, a master-at-arms senior chief now stationed in South Korea, was recognized with a Navy and Marine Corps Medal for his response to the shooting, as were two dozen others.

From Washington Post • Sep. 15, 2018

The master-at-arms put a hand on Robb's shoulder to quiet him.

From "A Game of Thrones" by George R.R. Martin