| 释义 |
ˈmaster-at-ˈarms Naut.
Formerly a warrant-officer in the navy appointed to instruct the officers and crew of a ship of war in the exercise of small arms, and to act as principal police officer on board (= marshal 7 b), but now a first-class petty officer doing duty in the latter capacity only. Also transf., the principal police officer on board a ship of the mercantile marine.
1748Smollett Rod. Rand. xxix, I was taken prisoner, and carried to the poop by the master-at-arms. 1861Thring Crim. Law Navy 53 The Commander-in-Chief appoints some person (usually the master-at-arms of the flag-ship) to act as provost-marshal. 1890W. J. Gordon Foundry 74, 500 cabin passengers, to look after whose comfort and conduct there are employed six dozen stewards,..two masters-at-arms, and a surgeon. 1894C. N. Robinson Brit. Fleet 474 A master-at-arms with a staff of ship's corporals is allowed in the larger ships. |