MARSHAL OF FRANCE, the highest dignity of preference in the French armies under the old government. The dignity of marshal came to be for life, though at its first institution it was otherwise. They were then only the king's first ecuyers under the constable; but in time they became the constable's lieutenants in the command of the army, the constable himself being then become captain-general. At first they were but two in number; and their allowance was but 500 livres per annum in time of war, and nothing in time of peace; but in the reign of Francis I. a third was added; Henry II. created a fourth. Since, it has been various; Louis XIV. increased it to 20. Their office at first was, to marshal the army under the constable, and to command in his absence. They did then what the marshals de camp do now; to which last they have given their title, and the least considerable part of their authority.