| 释义 |
ˈfield-ˈmarshal
[After G. feld-marschall.]
The title of a military officer of high rank.
1. In continental armies (= Ger. feldmarschall, F. maréchal de camp). In 16th c. and early 17th c., an officer subordinate only to the ‘captain-general’ or ‘general’, and charged with the control of the encampment and sustenance of the army. As in the case of other designations of military rank, the application greatly changed in the 17th and following centuries. ‘In German-speaking countries and in others (e.g. Russia) which have adopted the term, it is the highest military title, superior to that of general’ (N.E.D., 1895).
[1579Digges Stratioticos 126 As shall be ordayned by the Marshals of the fielde. a1587Garrard Art War (1591) 234 The high Marshall of the fielde, or maister of the Campe.] 1614Selden Titles Hon. 325 The Tribuni Militum (as it were, Field Marshalls). 1701Lond. Gaz. No. 3692/2 Count Muttoni..is entred into the Emperor's Service, who has made him Lieutenant Field-Marshal-General. 1706Ibid. No. 4201/2 Field-Marshal-General Herbeville continued there. 1710Whitworth Acc. Russia (1758) 66 He was made Prince of the Empire in 1706..and Felt Marshal in 1709. 1848W. K. Kelly tr. L. Blanc's Hist. Ten Y. I. 475 The Russian army..had passed under the command of Field-marshal Paskewitch.
2. In the British army, a general officer of the highest rank.
The title was first conferred in 1736 (see quot.); since then the army has always had a few field-marshals, either members of the royal family or generals who have rendered distinguished services. The Army List for 1894 gives the names of six officers of this rank.
1736Gent. Mag. VI. 56 D. of Argyle, and E. of Orkney, Field-Marshals of Great Britain. 1844Regul. & Ord. Army 29 A Field-Marshal is to be saluted with the Standards and Colours of all the Forces, except the Horse and Foot Guards.
Hence ˌfield-ˈmarshalship.
1855in Ogilvie Suppl. 1864in Worcester (citing Q. Rev.). |