maréchal

marshal

noun mah-reh-SHAL Rare

Origin: Germanic marascalc (horse servant), later a high military title

Also means

field marshal

Usage Note

Maréchal in modern French most often refers to Maréchal de France, the highest military distinction — held by figures such as Pétain and de Lattre de Tassigny. The plural is maréchaux. Historically, a maréchal-ferrant was a blacksmith who shod horses, reflecting the word's humbler origins.

Examples

"Le maréchal a reçu ses décorations à Paris."

Natural Translation

The marshal received his decorations in Paris.

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