muster
UK[ˈmʌstə(r)]US[ˈmʌstər]
v
to bring a group of people, especially soldiers, together in one place.
v
to try to produce as much of a feeling such as courage or enthusiasm as you can.
n
a formal gathering of troops, especially for inspection, display, or exercise.
Etymology
the word 'muster' has a martial history rooted in the act of showing. it entered english in the late middle ages from old french, tracing back to the latin verb 'monstrare', which means 'to show or point out'. this latin term is related to 'monstrum' (portent, monster), derived from the root 'mon-', meaning 'to think' or 'to warn', suggesting a connection to making something known or visible. the military sense of assembling troops for inspection—literally to show them—developed naturally from this core idea of display. over time, the meaning expanded metaphorically to include gathering one's internal resources, such as courage or strength, as if presenting them for a challenge.
Analysis
the word 'muster' is a simplex form. it is derived from the old french 'mostre', meaning 'display, show', which itself came from the latin 'monstrare' (to show). the latin verb is a frequentative of 'monere' (to warn, advise). the functional role is that of a complete lexical unit.
Examples
the general ordered the troops to muster on the parade ground at dawn.
she couldn't muster much enthusiasm for the tedious administrative task.
the annual muster of the local militia was an important civic event.