provost sergeant

[ proh-voh ]

noun

, Military.

1. the senior noncommissioned officer of a prison or other confinement facility whose chief duty is the supervision of prisoners and of the military police unit.

Word History and Origins

Origin of provost sergeant¹

First recorded in 1865–70

Example Sentences

The Provost-Sergeant had been watching them, at the instigation of a sharp-eyed, clerkly-looking man in semi-uniform.

From Project Gutenberg

By him marched the stalwart Provost-Sergeant, with a heavy striped carpetsack under his arm.

From Project Gutenberg

The Color-Sergeant was provost-Sergeant also, and had entire charge of the prisoners and of the daily policing of the camp.

From Project Gutenberg

In a few minutes, Nancy was ushered into the room by the provost sergeant of the guard.

From Project Gutenberg

Two more witnesses were examined that afternoon—the provost sergeant and Captain Charlton.

From Project Gutenberg