marshal

10 definitions • 15 examples

to bring together or organize people or things in order to achieve a particular aim:

The fighting in the city followed reports of the rebels marshalling their forces in the countryside.

The company is marshalling its forces/resources for a long court case.

They had marshalled an armada of 1,000 boats to help clear up the oil.

It is unlikely that the rebels will be able to marshal as much firepower as the government troops.

an official who is involved in the running of a public event:

Marshals struggled in vain to prevent spectators rushing onto the racetrack.

someone who is involved in a public event, especially a famous person chosen to lead a parade:

The parade's grand marshal carried an elaborately carved staff.

a government official who is responsible for putting the decisions of a law court into action:

US marshals specialize in finding fugitives and escapees.

a title used for important officers in the armed forces of some countries:

a field marshal/air vice marshal

Marshal Pétain

[ as form of address ] Yes, Marshal.

a title used for police or fire officers in some parts of the US:

The deputy state fire marshal led the arson investigation.

[ as form of address ] Thank you, Marshal.

to gather or organize people or things, esp. in order to achieve a particular aim:

The president is trying to marshal support for his plan.

an official who arranges and controls a public ceremony:

The mayor was the honorary grand marshal of the St. Patrick’s Day parade.

a government official who is responsible for putting the decisions of a law court into effect:

He was conducted to the airport by federal marshals and deported.

In some parts of the US, marshal is also a title used for police or fire department officers of high rank.