Provost-marshal

(sometimes pronounced pro-vo') (Mil.), an officer appointed to arrest and secure deserters and other criminals, to hinder the soldiers from pillaging, to indict offenders, and see sentence passed on them and executed. He also performs such other duties pertaining to police and discipline as the regulations of the service or the commander's orders impose upon him, and has such assistants as are necessary. The provost marshal in the navy has charge of prisoners, &c.