Marshal (also sometimes spelled marshall in American English, but not in British English) is a word used in several official titles of various branches of society. The word derives from Old High German marah "horse" and schalh "servant", and originally meant "stable keeper". As marshals became trusted members of the courts of Medieval Europe, the title grew in reputation. During the last few centuries, it has been used for the most elevated offices. The American English spelling of the name ("Marshall") is often confused with the spelling of the title ("Marshal"). It is approximate to the position of Constable, of similar etymology.

Military

In many countries, the rank of Marshal is the highest Army rank, outranking other General Officers. Typically the equivalent navy rank is Admiral of the Fleet.

Marshals are typically appointed only in wartime (although this need not be the case). In many countries, especially in Europe, the special symbol of a Marshal is a baton, and so their insignia often incorporate batons.

In some countries, the word Marshal is also used instead of General in the higher air force ranks. The four highest Royal Air Force ranks are Marshal of the Royal Air Force, Air Chief Marshal, Air Marshal and Air Vice Marshal (although the first, which has generally been suspended as a peacetime rank, is the only one which can properly be considered a marshal). The 5 star rank of Marshal of the Air Force is used by some Commonwealth air forces.

In the French army and some armies based on the French army, Maréchal des logis (Marshal-of-Lodgings ) is a cavalry term equivalent to sergeant.

Some historical rulers have used special Marshal titles to reward certain subjects. Though not strictly military ranks, these honorary titles have been exclusively bestowed upon successful military leaders, such as the famous Grand Marshal of Ayacucho Antonio Jose de Sucre. Most famous are the Marshals of France (Maréchaux de France), not least under Napoleon I. Another such title was that of Reich Marshal (Reichsmarschall), that was bestowed upon Hermann Göring by Adolf Hitler, although it was never a regular title. In England during the First Barons' War the title Marshal of the Army of God was bestowed upon Robert Fitzwalter by election.

Soviet Union and Russia have both General of the Army and Marshal in their rank system, which leaves the latter as a largely honorary rank.

Marshal ranks by country

The following articles deal with the rank of Marshal as used by specific countries:

• Marshal of Bolivia
• Marshal (Brazil)
• Marshal of the German Democratic Republic (East Germany)
• Marshal of Finland (Finland)
• France
• Marshal of France includes Marshal of the Empire
• Marshal-of-Lodgings
• Generalfeldmarschall (German Empire)
• Marshal (Japan)
• Italy
• Marshal of Italy
• Marshal (Italy) - a warrant officer rank
• Marshal of the Air Force (New Zealand)
• Marshal of Paraguay
• Marshal of Peru
• Marshal of Poland (Poland)
• Mareşal (Romania)
• Marshal of the Russian Federation (Russian Federation)
• The Soviet Union had two marshals ranks
• Marshal of the Soviet Union
• Chief Marshal or Marshal of a Troop Arm was used in five Soviet military branches - the Air Force, Artillery, Armoured Troops, Engineer Troops, and Signal Troops. Both "Marshal of a troop arm" and "Chief Marshal of a troop arm" are considered equivalent to the single rank General of the Army, which was used in the Infantry and the Marines.
• Mareşal (Turkey)
• Marshal of Venezuela
• Marshal of Yugoslavia (Yugoslavia)