muster

views updated May 17 2018

mus·ter / ˈməstər/ • v. [tr.] 1. assemble (troops), esp. for inspection or in preparation for battle. ∎  [intr.] (of troops) come together in this way: the cavalrymen mustered beside the other regiments. ∎  [intr.] (of a group of people) gather together: reporters mustered outside her house.2. collect or assemble (a number or amount): he could fail to muster a majority. ∎  summon up (a particular feeling, attitude, or response): he replied with as much dignity as he could muster.• n. a formal gathering of troops, esp. for inspection, display, or exercise. ∎ short for muster roll.PHRASES: pass muster be accepted as adequate or satisfactory: a treaty that might pass muster with the voters.PHRASAL VERBS: muster someone in (or out) enroll someone into (or discharge someone from) military service.

muster

views updated May 11 2018

muster
A. † exhibition, display; † pattern, example, sample;

B. assembling of soldiers, etc.; assembly, collection. XIV. ME. mo(u)stre — OF. moustre (later in latinized form monstre, mod. montre), repr. Rom. sb. f. *mostrare :- L. mōnstrāre show (cf. MONSTER).
So muster vb. † show, display XIII; collect, assemble XV. — OF. moustrer (mod. montrer).