Marechal
/ˈmær.əʃəl/noun
A historical title for a high military officer or officer of state, especially in French contexts.
Did you know?The word ultimately comes from a Germanic compound meaning “horse servant,” and its prestige grew so much that it became one of the highest military titles in Europe.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
*marhskalkaz
“horse servant; groom”
Old Frankish
Frankish
*marhskalk
“horse servant, stable attendant”
Old French
Old French
mareschal
“chief officer in charge of horses; later a high military official”
Middle English
English
mareschal / marshal
“a high-ranking military officer or court official”
Modern English
English
marshal
“a high-ranking military officer or official; also, to arrange or gather in order”