or SERJEANT at law, or of the coif, is the highest degree taken at the common law, as that of doctor is of the civil law; and as these are supposed to be most learned and experienced in the practice of the courts, there is one court appointed for them to plead in by themselves, which is the common pleas, where the common law of England is most strictly observed; but they are not restrained from pleading in any other court, where the judges, who cannot have that honour till they have taken the degree of sergeant at law, call them brothers.

SERGEANT at arms, or mace, an officer appointed to attend the person of the king; to arrest traitors, and such persons of quality as offend; and to attend the lord high steward when sitting in judgment on a traitor.

The number of these officers is by statute limited to that of thirty.

in war, is an inferior officer in a company of foot, or troop of dragoons, armed with an halbard, and appointed to see discipline observed, to teach the soldiers the exercise of their arms, and to order, straiten, and form ranks, files, &c.