Word of the Day : August 30, 2019

martinet \mar-tuh-NET\ noun

Definition

1 : a strict disciplinarian

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

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.

Aired August 30, 2019

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