sergeant at arms

American  

noun

1. an executive officer of a legislative or other body, whose duty it is to enforce its commands, preserve order, etc.

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sergeant at arms British  

noun

1. an officer of a legislative or fraternal body responsible for maintaining internal order

2. (formerly) an officer who served a monarch or noble, esp as an armed attendant

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Etymology

Origin of sergeant at arms

Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400

Example Sentences

The dress code was updated soon thereafter by Martha Pope, the first female sergeant at arms.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 28, 2025

They all listened as the sergeant at arms announced “hear ye, hear ye, all persons are commanded to keep silent under pain of imprisonment” during the course of the impeachment trial.

From Slate • Apr. 19, 2024

I was the sergeant at arms, at Dick’s left, and, with stern taps on a wineglass, enforced the “one conversation” rule, lest the discussion fracture.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 23, 2023

Neither the House sergeant at arms nor the chief administrative officer immediately responded for comment.

From Washington Times • Jan. 3, 2022

The sergeant at arms gave him a long, unimpressed look and blinked slowly, once.

From "The Assassination of Brangwain Spurge" by M.T. Anderson and Eugene Yelchin