Definify.com

Webster 1913 Edition

Brevet

Bre-vet′

(brē̍-vĕt′; 277)
,
Noun.
[F.
brevet
, LL.
brevetum
, fr. L.
brevis
short. See
Brief
.]
1.
A warrant from the government, granting a privilege, title, or dignity.
[French usage]
.
2.
(Mil.)
A commission giving an officer higher rank than that for which he receives pay; an honorary promotion of an officer.
☞ In the United States army, rank by brevet is conferred, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, for “gallant actions or meritorious services.” A brevet rank gives no right of command in the particular corps to which the officer brevetted belongs, and can be exercised only by special assignment of the President, or on court martial, and detachments composed of different corps, with pay of the brevet rank when on such duty.

Bre-vet′

(brē̍-vĕt′)
,
Verb.
T.
[
imp. & p. p.
Brevetted
;
p. pr. & vb. n.
Brevetting
.]
(Mil.)
To confer rank upon by brevet.

Bre-vet′

,
Adj.
(Mil.)
Taking or conferring rank by brevet;
as, a
brevet
colonel; a
brevet
commission
.

Webster 1828 Edition

Brevet

BREVET'

,
Noun.
[from breve.] In the French customs, the grant of a favor or donation from the king, or the warrant evidencing the grant; a warrant; a brief, or commission. More particularly, a commission given to a subaltern officer, written on parchment, without seal.
1.
A commission to an officer which entitles him to a rank in the army above his pay. Thus a brevit major serves as a captain and received pay as such. Such commissions were given to the officers of the American Army at the close of the war, giving them a grade of rank above that which they had held during service.

Similar Results