2. The keeper of a prison. [Obs.] --Shak.
Note: In France, formerly, a provost was an inferior judge
who had cognizance of civil causes. The grand provost
of France, or of the household, had jurisdiction in the
king's house, and over its officers.
{Provost marshal} (often pronounced ?).
(a) (Mil.) An officer appointed in every army, in the
field, to secure the prisoners confined on charges of
a general nature. 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.
(b) (Nav.) An officer who has charge of prisoners on trial
by court-martial, serves notices to witnesses, etc.