ˈdrum-ˌmajor
[See major n.]
1. † a. The first or chief drummer in a regimental band (obs.). b. A non-commissioned officer who has command of the drummers of a regiment. c. An officer of a band or drum-corps, who leads it and directs its movements on the march.
| 1598 Barret Theor. Warres iv. i. 99 He is to commaunde the drumme maior to sound the call. 1689 Lond. Gaz. No. 2458/4 Michael Cavendish, Drum-major in my Lord Lovelace his Regiment of Foot. 1725 Ibid. No. 6382/1 The Drums of His Majesty's Houshold, the Drum-Major attending. 1844 Regul. & Ord. Army 140 The Music for Slow and Quick Time is to be practised under the direction of the Drum-Major..until the prescribed cadence has been acquired. |
† 2. humorous. A large ‘drum’ or rout. Obs.
| 1753 Scots Mag. Jan. 37/1 At home. To have a drum-major and seventeen card-tables. |
3. attrib. and Comb. † drum-major-general, a staff officer who controlled the drummers, etc.
| 1651 Cleveland Poems 27 These Drum-major oaths of Bulk unruly. 1679–88 Secr. Money Chas. II & Jas. II (Camden) 177 To John Maugridge, drumajor genll, bounty..20 0 0. 1743 List Govt. Officers in J. Chamberlayne St. Gt. Brit. 108 Staff-Officers on his Majesty's Establishment..Mr. John Clothier, Drum-Major-General. |