This got me looking up the origin of "pass muster":
From the
OED, with the earliest citations:
d. orig. Mil. to pass muster: to undergo muster or inspection without censure; (later in extended use) to come up to the required standard, to be beyond reproach or criticism; to be taken or accepted as (occas. for) something. Also †to pass the muster(s).
1573 G. Gascoigne Disc. Aduentures Master F. I. in Hundreth Sundrie Flowres 226 It was deuised in great disquiet of mynd, and written in rage, yet haue I seene much worse passe the musters.
1580 T. Churchyard Pleasaunte Laborinth: Churchyardes Chance 27 A goodly troupe of armed men, did passe the Muster.
1598 Acts Privy Council XXIX. 21 You must have spetiall care that not wone [sic] dwellers, victuallers, horsboyes, hirelinges or vagrant pasvolentes do offer to passe musters in the bandes.
1627 J. Smith Sea Gram. xii. 56 Such a Ship‥might well passe muster for a man of warre.
1673 Articles & Rules for better Govt. of H.M. Forces xliv, No Muster-Master shall knowingly let any pass the Musters, but such as are qualified.
1689 London Gaz. No. 2426/4, The new Regiment Commanded by the Prince de Steinhuise has pass'd Muster.
1738 Swift Compl. Coll. Genteel Conversat. 42 She may pass Muster well enough.