phrases, sayings, idioms and expressions at

A half-pay Major of Marines

Posted by Brian from Shawnee on December 09, 2003

I just read a Sherlock Holmes story in which a man was described as "a half-pay Major of Marines". Does that mean he retired early from the Marines, and so took a half pension rather than a full pension? I am planning on reading the story aloud to my 9-year-old, and I'd like to be able to explain what that means. Thanks for any confirmation anyone can provide.

© 1997 – 2024 Phrases.org.uk. All rights reserved.