martinet Hear it!

martinet Definition

mar·ti·net (märt′'n et′, märt′'n et′)

noun

  1. a very strict military disciplinarian
  2. any very strict disciplinarian or stickler for rigid regulations

Etymology: after Gen. Jean Martinet, 17th-c. Fr drillmaster

martinet Synonyms

martinet

n.

taskmaster, disciplinarian, overseer; see dictator, master 1.

martinet Usage Examples

Adjective modifier

  • great: The greatest martinet in the Army in his day, and it was a day of rough language, too.