quartermaster
- 01 C2 Proficiency
n.an officer in the army who is responsible for providing food, clothes, and a place to sleep for the soldiers.
n.a commissioned officer responsible for providing quarters, rations, clothing, and other equipment for a body of troops.
Simple“The quartermaster made sure every soldier had a warm coat before the winter started.”
In context“The regiment's quartermaster coordinated the complex logistics of transporting fuel and stationery across the border during the autumn maneuvers.”
UsageIn modern land forces, the role is often associated with the Quartermaster Corps.
Synonymssupply officerlogistics officer - 02 C2 Proficiency
n.a person on a ship who helps with steering and looks after the signals and compass.
n.a petty officer or rating responsible for steering, signals, and the maintenance of navigational equipment under the master's direction.
Simple“The quartermaster stood at the helm, carefully following the captain's orders to change course.”
In context“Under the direction of the master, the quartermaster attended to the binnacle and ensured the signals were clearly visible to the rest of the fleet.”
Teacher's tipNote that in a naval context, this role is about navigation and steering, whereas in the army it is about supplies.
Synonymshelmsmannavigator - 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.a person in a group like the Scouts who looks after the tents, stoves, and other camping gear.
n.a leadership position within a youth organization responsible for tracking and maintaining group equipment.
Simple“As the troop quartermaster, he spent the afternoon checking that all the tents were dry and clean.”
In context“The scoutmaster appointed a new quartermaster to oversee the inventory of Dutch ovens and cooking utensils before the summer jamboree.”
Synonymsequipment manager - 04 C2 Proficiency
v.to do the work of a quartermaster by managing supplies or equipment.
v.to perform the duties associated with a quartermaster, particularly in a logistical or navigational capacity.
Simple“He spent three years quartermastering for the local search and rescue team.”
In context“The veteran officer was asked to quartermaster the expedition, ensuring that all technical gear was accounted for during the ascent.”
UsageThis verb is ambitransitive and can be used with or without a direct object.
From Middle English quartermayster, quartermaistre, equivalent to quarter + master. Perhaps reinforced by and merged with Dutch kwartiermeester, kwartier-meester. Compare German Quartiermeister, French quartier-maître.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.