The word "serjeant" is an alternative spelling of "sergeant". The IPA phonetic transcription for the word is /ˈsɑːdʒənt/. The spelling "serjeant" can be traced back to Middle English where it was spelled "serjant". It is likely that the "j" was used to represent the "soft g" sound which was common in Middle English. Over time, the spelling of the word evolved, but the pronunciation remained the same. Today, both spellings are acceptable, but "sergeant" is more commonly used.
Serjeant, also spelled as sergeant, is a noun that can refer to two different definitions depending on the context. In a historical or military context, serjeant is a term used to describe a non-commissioned officer of intermediate rank in the army or other military organizations, typically below the rank of sergeant major. In this sense, a serjeant holds authority over a group or platoon of soldiers, fulfilling a supervisory or administrative role.
In a legal context, serjeant has a distinct meaning. It is a term used to describe a barrister or lawyer who has attained high rank or status within the legal profession. Serjeant-at-Law, a historical term, specifically refers to those barristers who were members of an exclusive order in England and Wales, having the right to argue cases in the Court of Common Pleas. The term has now been abolished, and serjeants-at-law can now only be appointed as High Court judges.
Throughout history, the term serjeant has been used to denote positions of authority, whether in the military or legal sphere. Thus, depending on the context in which it is used, serjeant can represent a non-commissioned officer who holds a responsible position in the military hierarchy or a barrister of high rank within the legal profession.
A police-officer of superior rank; in the army, a non-commissioned officer whose duty is to see discipline observed, to assist young officers, &c.; in Eng., a lawyer of the highest rank, called a serjeant-at-law; a title given to certain of the king's servants, as serjeant-surgeon.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "serjeant" has its etymology in Old French. It originates from the Old French term "sergent" or "serjant" which meant "servant" or "assistant". This word was derived from the Latin word "serviens", which also meant "servant" or "assistant". Over time, the spelling of the word evolved to "sergeant" in Middle English, and eventually to its modern spelling "serjeant" or "sergeant".
In its original usage, a "serjeant" referred to a servant or assistant, often in a military context. It later developed specific meanings in various fields, including legal, military, and police. In the legal context, a "serjeant" refers to a barrister of a high rank, while in the military and police contexts, it often denotes a non-commissioned officer of higher rank.