quartermaster

/ˈk(w)ɔɹtɚˌmæstɚ/

UK: /ˈkwɔːtɚˌmɑːstə/

quartermaster

English Noun Top 29,333

Definition

An officer whose duty is to provide quarters, provisions, storage, clothing, fuel, stationery, and transportation for a regiment or other body of troops, and superintend the supplies. Master of quartering.

Etymology

From Middle English quartermayster, quartermaistre, equivalent to quarter + master. Perhaps reinforced by and merged with Dutch kwartiermeester, kwartier-meester. Compare German Quartiermeister, French quartier-maître.