Dictionary

sergeant-majorly en · ADJ

Etymology

Etymology tree English sergeant major Middle English -ly English -ly English sergeant-majorly From sergeant major + -ly.

Meanings

1. In the manner of a sergeant major.
   • In Rural Rides, within a few pages, he manages to insult Scotsmen and the Cotswolds, but in a sergeant-majorly sort of way, […] 1973, Seumas Stewart, Book Collecting: A Beginner's Guide, E. P. Dutton, Page 206
   • “Okay boys,” I said, in sergeant-majorly style, “there are just two rules that you need to know for this expedition.” 2003, Anna Richards, ADHD: A Challenging Journey, Sage Publications, Page 25
   • Captain David Margesson who not withstanding his official description as War Minister, is usually the soul of gentle geniality, was almost sergeant-majorly in his treatment of the mildest question. 1941, Francis Cowley Burland, Mark Lemon, Henry Mayhew, Tom Taylor, Shirley Brooks and Owen Seaman, Punch (Volume CCI), Punch Publications Ltd, Page 446

Forms