Officer

Officer

Noun / Verb · /ˈɒf.ɪ.sər/

Definition

(Noun) a person holding a position of command or authority in the armed forces, police, or another organisation; a person appointed to a position of responsibility or trust in a company, society, or institution; a person in the police force of any rank; (Verb, formal) to provide a military unit or organisation with officers; to command as an officer.

Origin

From Old French officier (one who performs an office or duty) and Medieval Latin officiarius, from Latin officium (duty, service, function). Officer therefore being literally one who holds and performs an office — who is charged with carrying out official duties and functions. The military sense being well-established by the medieval period, distinguishing those who held authority and commanded from those who served in the ranks. The police sense developing as modern police forces were established in the nineteenth century.