quartermaster

quartermaster [kwawr-ter-mas-ter, -mah-ster] ExamplesWord Origin noun

1. Military. an officer charged with providing quarters, clothing, fuel, transportation, etc., for a body of troops.
2. Navy. a petty officer having charge of signals, navigating apparatus, etc.

Origin of quartermaster First recorded in 1400–50, quartermaster is from the late Middle English word quarter maister. See quarter, master Related formsquar·ter·mas·ter·like, adjectivequar·ter·mas·ter·ship, noun Examples from the Web for quartermaster Historical Examples of quartermaster

The quartermaster’s and medical departments were without trained assistants.

The Downfall

Emile Zola

Besides, Quartermaster Cornhill showed no signs of laughing.

The Voyages and Adventures of Captain Hatteras

Jules Verne

Then the loud call of the quartermaster and the ringing of eight bells.

Submarine Warfare of To-day

Charles W. Domville-Fife

He sadly told her that the quartermaster was in great trouble.

A War-Time Wooing

Charles King

Quartermaster,” said he, as he stepped up to the helmsman, “how does she sail?

Kilgorman

Talbot Baines Reed

British Dictionary definitions for quartermaster quartermaster noun

1. an officer responsible for accommodation, food, and equipment in a military unit
2. a rating in the navy, usually a petty officer, with particular responsibility for steering a ship and other navigational duties

Word Origin and History for quartermaster n.

early 15c., “subordinate officer of a ship,” from French quartier-maître or directly from Dutch kwartier-meester; originally a ship’s officer whose duties included stowing of the hold; later (c.1600) an officer in charge of quarters and rations for troops. See quarters.