Historical reference: Do not rely on this information. It is very old. About this collection
Sergeant (Old French sergient, from Latin serviens, "serving "), a non-commissioned officer next above a corporal in rank. His chief duties consist in maintaining discipline, teaching drill, and commanding small bodies as escort, etc. Sergeants have the overseership of the barracks, and are assistants to their officers in the field. Every company of infantry contains four sergeants, the senior being denominated the colour-sergeant. The sergeant-major, who ranks above the sergeants, does not hold any separate command, but is responsible for the general discipline of the corps. Serjeants-at-Law were barristers of superior degree having precedence over junior barristers. [BARRISTER.]