martinet

noundisciplinarian

Synonyms for martinet

noun disciplinarian

Word Origin & History

1670s, "system of strict discipline," from the name of Jean Martinet (killed at siege of Duisburg, 1672), lieutenant colonel in the Régiment du Roi, who in 1668 was appointed inspector general of the infantry. "It was his responsibility to introduce and enforce the drill and strict discipline of the French regiment of Guards across the whole infantry." [Olaf van Minwegen, "The Dutch Army and the Military Revolutions 1588-1688," 2006] The meaning "an officer who is a stickler for strict discipline" is first attested 1779 in English. The surname is a diminutive of Latin Martinus (see Martin).

Example Sentences for martinet

One suspected that the flowers had been drilled by a martinet of a gardener.

The cat was a martinet in her way, and she demanded all the privileges of her sex.

If he had been a martinet, it would have been worse for us all.

The colonel was something of a martinet, but he was justice incarnate.

He was a good deal of a martinet, but he was justice incarnate.

The new Viceroy was a soldier and a martinet, and his authority had been defied.

They always say he's more of a martinet at home than ever he was in the Army.

Vizcarra, though a dandy himself, was no martinet with his men.

He is lying on the rug, on his fat stomach, and is becoming quite a martinet.

How could he have done such a thing—he the martinet of business caution?

martinet

Synonyms for martinet

tyrant

tyrants

martinet

Synonyms for martinet

More words related to martinet

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tyrant

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