Drumhead Court martial

( Mil. ) A court martial is so called in England when the council of officers is convoked in haste to punish any soldier who has committed an offence which requires to be dealt with in a summary manner. The big drum was formerly used as a table, round which the officers composing the council a embled; whence the name. Drum-major, n. ( Mil. ) The chief or first drummer of a regiment.