serry: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very Rare/ObsoleteLiterary/Archaic/Military
Quick answer
What does “serry” mean?
To press or crowd together, especially in a military formation.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To press or crowd together, especially in a military formation.
To arrange things in a dense, compact order; to pack closely.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference. The word is equally archaic in both varieties.
Connotations
Connotes antique or elevated style, historical narrative.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both, slightly more likely in historical British military writing.
Grammar
How to Use “serry” in a Sentence
[object] to serry [object] (transitive)[subject] serry (intransitive)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “serry” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The colonel ordered the troops to serry their ranks before the charge.
- The ancient texts describe how the hoplites would serry their shields.
American English
- The general commanded the battalion to serry close for the parade.
- In the reenactment, they tried to serry as the manual prescribed.
adverb
British English
- (No standard adverbial form derived from 'serry')
American English
- (No standard adverbial form derived from 'serry')
adjective
British English
- (Only 'serried' is used) The serried rows of books stretched to the ceiling.
- They stood in serried ranks before the monarch.
American English
- (Only 'serried' is used) Serried lines of corn filled the vast field.
- The memorial displayed serried names of the fallen.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Only in historical/literary analysis.
Everyday
Not used.
Technical
Not used in modern technical contexts; historical military only.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “serry”
- Using it as a modern synonym for 'crowd'.
- Confusing it with 'bury' or 'sherry'.
- Incorrectly forming past tense as 'serried' (correct) vs. 'serryed'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is extremely rare and considered archaic or literary. Its main survival is in the adjective 'serried' (e.g., serried ranks).
No, using 'serry' in everyday speech would sound very odd and pretentious. Use common words like 'crowd', 'pack', or 'press together' instead.
It comes from the early 16th century, perhaps from French 'serré' meaning 'close, pressed', the past participle of 'serrer' (to press).
For most learners, it is only necessary to recognise the adjective 'serried' in reading. Actively using the verb is not recommended unless for specific historical writing.
To press or crowd together, especially in a military formation.
Serry is usually literary/archaic/military in register.
Serry: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsɛri/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsɛri/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Serried ranks (the only common fixed phrase)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'SERiouslY packed together' -> SERrY.
Conceptual Metaphor
CROWDING IS COMPACTING (A military formation).
Practice
Quiz
In modern English, how is the word 'serry' most commonly encountered?