pass muster
/pæs ˈmʌstə(r)/
verb phrase
Origin
Old French
mostre — a show, inspection, or exhibition
Overview
Meaning Now
- To be accepted as adequate or satisfactory; to meet the required standard.
Literal older meaning
To successfully complete a military inspection (muster).
Language path
Old French → Middle English → English
Earliest form
passe muster
Earliest period
16th century
Journey
The term originates from military procedure. A 'muster' was a formal assembly of troops, often to verify that the soldiers were present and properly equipped. A soldier who 'passed muster' successfully underwent this inspection without being found lacking. Over time, the phrase moved from the barracks into general use to describe anything that meets a required standard of quality.
Evolution
- 12th century Latin
monstrare
“to show, reveal”
Original Latin verb.
- 13th century Old French
mostre
“a display, formal review”
Adopted into military context.
- 16th century English
pass muster
“to survive a troop inspection”
Referenced the formal inspection of soldiers' weapons and equipment.
Connections
Word parts
pass
root
to go through or succeed
muster
root
a formal inspection of troops
Related across languages
French
montrer
to show
Spanish
mostrar
to show
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Related to pass muster
External references use DefinedTerm semantics.