Also spelled "sergeants" and the root of the modern term for non-commissioned officers in the army. In Medieval times a sergeant was also know as a man-at-arms or, in simpler terms, a knight who was not knighted. They were commoners who had proven their ability to fight like a knight and were equipped as such by their masters. These men were the servants of a knight or higher ranking noble and were part of his "fellowship ." Serjeants were equipped more or less as knights, albeit that their equipment was inferior to that of their master, usually hand-me-down armor and weapons and less splendid horses. Becoming a serjeant was one way a commoner cold get a leg up into the ruling class. Long distinguished service might result in a knighthood, or at least a small fief of one's own.