answersLogoWhite

0

The English borrowed the word "sergeant" from the French in about the Thirteenth Century. They spelled it several different ways and pronounced it both as SARgent and SERgeant. The latter was closer to the French pronunciation. The SARgeant pronunciation became the most popular, however, so that when the Nineteenth Century dictionary writers agreed that the word should be spelled "sergeant" they could not change the popular pronunciation. Thus, we say SARgeant while the French and others say SERgeant.

Sargent

English and French: in medieval times this did not denote a rank in the army, but was an occupational name for a servant, Middle English, Old French sergent (Latin serviens, genitive servientis, present participle of servire 'to serve'). The surname probably originated for the most part in this sense, but the word also developed various more specialized meanings, being used for example as a technical term for a tenant by military service below the rank of a knight, and as the name for any of certain administrative and legal officials in different localities, which may also have contributed to the development of the surname. The sense 'non-commissioned officer' did not arise until the 16th century.

To see graphs of books using these alternate spellings from 1500-2000 AD see:

Related Links below.

User Avatar

Wiki User

11y ago

What else can I help you with?

Related Questions

Is the word Chinese capitalized?

The word Chinese is a proper noun and is capitalized.


When is marine title gunny capitalized?

In formal writing or when directly addressing someone, Marine title Gunny (short for Gunnery Sergeant) is capitalized. In general text or casual conversation, it is typically not capitalized.


Is every word in a movie title capitalized?

Yes except if the word of is there because that is not capitalized.


Is the word forecast capitalized in a sentence?

No, the word forecast should not be capitalized in a sentence.


Should the word Will be capitalized?

The word 'will' should be capitalized only when it is a person's name or the first word in a sentence. As a verb or common noun, it should not be capitalized.


Is boys capitalized?

Yes, "Boys" is capitalized when it is the first word in a sentence or as part of a proper noun.


Is the German word tag capitalized?

The German word "Tag" is capitalized when it starts a sentence or if it is a noun, but it is not typically capitalized when used in the middle of a sentence as a normal word.


Does the word novel have to be capitalized in every sentence?

No, the word "novel" does not have to be capitalized in every sentence. It should be capitalized only if it is the first word in a sentence or part of a title.


Should the word 'noble' be capitalized?

No it shouldn't be capitalized.


Is the word mafia capitalized?

Yes it should be capitalized.


Is the word fermentation supposed to be capitalized?

No, it shouldn't be capitalized.


Should this word be capitalized Winter?

Yes Capitalized