ˈɔfɪsə n. & v. --n. 1 a
person holding a
position of
authority or
trust,
esp.
one with a
commission in
the armed services, in the
mercantile marine, or on a
passenger ship. 2 a
policeman or policewoman. 3 a
holder of a post in a
society (e.g. the
president or secretary). 4 a holder of a
public,
civil, or
ecclesiastical office; a sovereign's
minister; an appointed or elected
functionary (usu. with a qualifying
word:
medical officer;
probation officer; returning officer). 5 a
bailiff (the sheriff's officer). 6 a
member of the
grade below commander in the
Order of the
British Empire etc. --v.tr. 1
provide with officers. 2
act as the commander
of. øofficer of arms a
herald or
pursuivant. [ME f. AF officer, OF officier f. med.L officiarius f. L officium: see OFFICE]