martinet
noun

- someone who demands that rules and orders always be obeyed, even when it is unnecessary or unreasonable to do so

(Cambridge Dictionary)

---
The word martinet derives from Jean Martinet, a 17th century French lieutenant-colonel and one of the first great drill masters of modern times. He served during the reign of Louis XIV and made way to French conquest in the Holy Roman Empire. He was a severe drillmaster, which made him unpopular among his troops.

Martinet revolutionized the early modern army by instituting a standardized system capable of turning raw recruits into a disciplined fighting force, thereby eliminating the mercenaries and soldiers-of-fortune who had been the mainstays of earlier armies.

He also introduced the bayonet into the French army and the depot system, which put a stop to the army feeding off the enemy land, making war more humane.

---
SYNONYMS

authoritarian, autocrat, despot, dictator, drill sergeant, taskmaster, oppressor, slave driver, tormentor, (petty) tyrant

---
Practice OWAD in a conversation

"I had my share of MARTINETS as teachers when I was at school."