A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
Hide Quotations Hide Etymology
About this entry:
First published 2000 (DOST Vol. VIII).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
(Sergeand-major,) Sergeant-major, Serjand-majo(u)r, n. Also: sergent-major. [e.m.E. seargeant maier (1573); Serg(e)and n. and Major n.1] An army officer of indeterminate rank, perhaps equivalent to the modern major. —1572-5 Diurn. Occurr. 250.
Capitane Hew Lauder wes maid serjand major to the haill men of weare in Edinburgh 1572-5 Diurn. Occurr. 300.
The leiving of the hous of Merchingstoun wes [ordered by] capitane Hew Lauder, callit serjand majour 1577 Reg. Privy C. II 642.]
[Pour le sergeant major ic li. 1631 Buccleuch Household Bk. 1 Oct.
Quartermester … sergent major … captan 1631 Buccleuch Household Bk. 3 Oct.
Luttenent colonell, sergeant major 1639 Montgomery Mem. II 292.
Leivetenent-Colonell Ritchiesone, Serjand-Major Cwnynghame, Capitane George Boyd [etc.]
