Medieval History Term of the Week: Sergeant
Sergeant or Serjeant
Etymology: Middle English, servant, attendant, sergeant, from Anglo-French sergant, serjant, from Latin servient-, serviens, present participle of servire to serve
1) A servant who accompanies his lord to battle, or a horseman of lower status used as light cavalry. Also means a type of tenure in service of a nonknightly character is owed a lord. Such persons might carry the lords banner, serve in the wine cellar, make bows/arrows or any other dozen occupations. Sergeants pay the feudal dues of wardship, marriage, and relief but are exempt from scutage (nonknightly). (MEDIEV-L. Medieval Terms)
2) Mounted and armoured soldier below the rank of knight. (Wise, Terence. Medieval Warfare, 251)
The following is translated from C.T. Allmand and C.A.J. Armstrong, English Suits before the Parlement of Paris, 1420-1436 (London, 1982):
28 February 1424
The following day, Denis was freed on giving pledges for the 400 ecus. The pledges were a merchant and a pastry maker of Paris. Then on March 6, Henry of Lidan sent a written request to the Court, claiming that Denis was his guarantor for 400 ecus of the ransom, and that he should be condemned to pay it. Denis denied that he was guarantor for Henry. This dispute between Denis and Henry dragged on until May, when the Parlement finally ordered Henry also released on pledge. Meanwhile Denis was given a safeguard against Fastolf, and for good reason: in November, Henry’s horse was taken by a sergeant at arms, acting for Fastolf, and both the sergeant and Fastolf had to be warned not to do anything more, on pain of 2000 =9C fine
*term definitions retrieved from Netserf’s Medieval Glossary (http://www.netserf.org/Glossary)
Filed under: Middle Ages History, Medieval Glossary, Medieval History on August 13th, 2010
It’s funny that I should click over from A Novel Place (thanks for stopping by) to find you discussing this particular term of the week. My surname is Sergent. My husband has French ancestry way, way back. After reading this I am intrigued to know how long the name has been in the family for. We were able to trace it back to Brittany in the late 1700s, but no further. You have inspired me to research it further!
That’s cool to learn. I had a Midieval Dictionary once, still might and it’s in a box somewhere : ). Great site! I love the header pic: Did you take that?
Best,
Kelsey
I did take the header shot. That’s one angle of the Sydney skyline. I have a new camera. I’m still learning to use it but I am in heaven. I will enjoy your blog. I studied Medieval History at University!
Great Selma! Glad I could be an inspiration
Ketch, I did not take the header shot of the castle. I purchased it from a royalty free image site. I’m not even sure what castle it is. If someone recognizes it, I’d love to know.
I would love to know too. I visited a few castles in the past, but this one I’ve never seen before. I would love to visit it some day.
I have several books on castles I need to go through at home to see if I can find it. If I locate it, I’ll let you know.
What castles have you been to?
Let’s see - Leeds Castle and Stafford Castle are the first to come to mind. I didn’t get to see inside, but while on the Rhine River, the boat by passed a few. I think there is one more, but I can’t remember. If I think of it, I’ll let you know. I love to travel! Some of the places I visit are listed at http://ketch1714.wordpress.com/2010/08/14/get-lost-in-your-imagination/
But, I’ve also been through France and Germany as well.
Very nice. There are so many historical sites I would like to visit in Europe, especially England and France. Right now, the dollar is so weak against the Euro and Pound that it makes it tough to have the money to travel to Europe.
I can understand. Most of my trips now are road trips. Fortunately, the time period I focus on, you can find a lot of history along the east coast. If you do get a chance to travel through Europe, it’s wonderful! How did you get into Medieval Studies? Have you read any Gordon R. Dickson’s works? He is sci-fi/ fantasy, but his time period in Medieval England.
I’ve actually had an interest in the medieval period going back to junior high. Though I didn’t start seriously studying it until after graduating from college. After school, I was able to spend more time reading the books / subjects I wanted to read, without having to worry about studying for exams and reading textbooks for class. I’ve been heavily involved in medieval studies for about 8 years now.
I haven’t read Dickson. What has he written?
I’m most familiar with his Dragon and the George series: The Dragon and the George (my fav.), The Dragon Knight, (about nine books in this series, so I won’t list them all). But, he has a total of 165 works. Here is a link: http://www.goodreads.com/author/list/38631.Gordon_R_Dickson
Also, you might like The British Myths and Legends by M.I. Ebbutt.
Thanks so much!
Ketch, I found out the image in my header is of Goodrich Castle. Just thought I’d pass that info along in case you’re interested.
OMG, how could I have missed Goodrich Castle while visiting Southern England? Well, an excuse to go back some time
. Thanks so much for letting me know! Hope everything is well.
Kelsey
You’re welcome.