SUTLERS Meaning and
Definition
-
Sutlers refer to individuals or merchants who sell provisions, food, and other supplies to soldiers or military units, particularly in historical contexts. The term can be traced back to the 16th century when it was commonly used to describe individuals typically in military camps or garrisons who would set up small makeshift shops or stalls selling various goods, including food, beverages, clothing, weapons, and equipment to soldiers.
Sutlers typically operated near military encampments or battlefields, providing essential items that soldiers needed but could not acquire through official military channels. These independent traders played an important role in supporting the needs of soldiers, especially during long campaigns or sieges where regular supply lines could be interrupted or unreliable.
The services of sutlers were especially valuable to soldiers, as they offered a convenient way to access additional supplies or goods that were not provided by the military, or to purchase items at more reasonable prices than from official channels. Sutlers often became familiar with the preferences and demands of the soldiers they catered to, establishing long-term relationships and earning a reputation for the quality and reliability of their products.
While the traditional practice of sutlers has declined in modern military operations, the term is still occasionally used in historical discussions or reenactments to describe those who provide goods and services to military forces outside of official supply lines.
Common Misspellings for SUTLERS
Etymology of SUTLERS
The word "sutler" is derived from the Middle Dutch word "soeteler", which means "peddler" or "itinerant seller". This Dutch term was later anglicized to "sutler" and used primarily in military contexts. In the past, sutlers were individuals who accompanied armies or military camps to sell provisions, food, and other items to soldiers. The term has its roots in the medieval practice of setting up temporary markets or stalls near military encampments, which provided necessary goods for the soldiers. Over time, the term "sutler" came to be associated specifically with those who provided supplies and services to the military.
