Pass muster

Posted by Baceseras on May 30, 2007

In Reply to: Pass muster posted by Beth Crawford on May 30, 2007

: Does anyone know the exact origin/meaning of the phrase "to pass muster?" A recent T.V. show depicted this phrase as a naval term. ??? The Google search doesn't satisfy me.

Not necessarily naval, but military certainly. The roots of the word 'muster' go back to late Latin meaning a showing or display. In English 'muster' has meant specifically a military assembly, with inspection implied. So to pass muster is to be all correct, passing inspection.

• Pass muster Li Yar 31/May/07