Gendarmes

(zhān(g)'dărmz.) [Fr., men-at-arms.] (Mil) Originally, and up to the time of the first French revolution, the most distinguished cavalry corps in the service of the Bourbon kings, to whom they formed a sort of body-guard. Under existing arrangements, the G. constitute a military police, comprise both cavalry and infantry, and are liable to serve in the field when required. [s. 399]