martinet

noun

mar·​ti·​net ˌmär-tə-ˈnet 

1

: a strict disciplinarian

The prison's warden was a cruel martinet.

2

: a person who stresses a rigid adherence to the details of forms and methods

a martinet in conducting meetings of the society, he never tolerated any sign of levity or indecorum

—D. J. Boorstin

Did you know?

When France's King Louis XIV appointed Lieutenant Colonel Jean Martinet to be inspector general of the infantry in the late 17th century, he made a wise choice. As a drillmaster, Martinet trained his troops to advance into battle in precise linear formations and to fire in volleys only upon command, thus making the most effective use of inaccurate muskets—and making the French army one of the best on the continent. He also gave English a new word. Martinet has been used synonymously with "strict disciplinarian" since the early 18th century.

Examples of martinet in a Sentence

The prison's warden was a cruel martinet.

Recent Examples on the Web

But Muir’s co-moderator, Linsey Davis, was a different case: Davis wore a mannish, gray suit jacket and struck a pose of martinet — almost schoolmarmish — solemnity. —Armond White, National Review, 20 Sep. 2024

There’s Cece’s father, long vanished; Ronnie, a predator; Marcel, a martinet; Joel, a manipulator; and a random catcaller in the street, whom Cece sends scurrying away by turning her acting skills to practical use. —Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 12 June 2024

The patriarch of the soccer clan, Joe Morrone was known for his rigor, passion, sometimes showing itself on the sidelines in the form clipboards shattered over his knee, but the martinet had a gentler side as the grandfather to a young player — at least to some degree. —Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 18 Apr. 2024

MacArthur himself, a martinet and a staunch Republican, was torn between his New Dealers and the conservatives. —Ian Buruma, The New Yorker, 16 Oct. 2023

Word History

Etymology

Jean Martinet, 17th century French army officer

First Known Use

1737, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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Kids Definition

martinet

noun

mar·​ti·​net ˌmärt-ᵊn-ˈet 

: a person who demands strict obedience