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top sergeant

American  

noun

Military Slang.
  1. a first sergeant.


Etymology

Origin of top sergeant

First recorded in 1915–20

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

They prefer General Horace Logan McBride, head of the American Military Mission, who is as tough and realistic as a top sergeant looking over a fresh batch of recruits.

From Time Magazine Archive

Salutes only for generals, and for the commanding officer and top sergeant on day's first encounter.

From Time Magazine Archive

It looks, at first glance, like lace pants on a top sergeant.

From Time Magazine Archive

His gravel-voiced oratory beats at the unwary with the brass of a top sergeant and the blarney of a sideshow barker.

From Time Magazine Archive

Sergeant Simpson, who had been bumped up to top sergeant, was more or less leading the whole platoon.

From "Fallen Angels" by Walter Dean Myers