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 sergeant at arms has confirmed that Senator Bato is no longer in the building," Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano told a news conference, using Dela Rosa's nickname.

From Barron's • May 14, 2026

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

All three lawmakers, who refused dispersal orders by the sergeant at arms, were removed from their committee assignments following the demonstration.

From Washington Times • Apr. 7, 2023

In rapid succession he had been defeated for homeroom president, vice president, secretary, treasurer, sergeant at arms, homeroom representative to the Student Council, and homeroom alternate.

From "The Great Santini" by Pat Conroy