Definitions

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  • noun obsolete The misuse or abuse of military authority; bullying.

Etymologies

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From the German name for Saverne, a town in Alsace. Originated from an incident in 1912 involving an overzealous soldier who wounded a cobbler for smiling at him, ultimately triggering an intervention from the army who took over the power from local authorities.

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  • the unjustified use or abuse of military or police authority.

    March 25, 2008