Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Commodore
Com′mo-doreˊ
,Noun.
1.
(U. S. Navy)
An officer who ranks next above a captain; sometimes, by courtesy, the senior captain of a squadron. The rank of commodore corresponds with that of brigadier general in the army.
2.
(British Navy)
A captain commanding a squadron, or a division of a fleet, or having the temporary rank of rear admiral.
3.
A title given by courtesy to the senior captain of a line of merchant vessels, and also to the chief officer of a yachting or rowing club.
4.
A familiar for the flagship, or for the principal vessel of a squadron or fleet.
Webster 1828 Edition
Commodore
COMMODORE
,Noun.
1.
The officer who commands a squadron or detachment of ships, destined on a particular enterprise. In the British marine, he bears the rank of a brigadier-general in the army, and his ship is distinguished by a broad red pendant, tapering to the outer end, and sometimes forked.2.
A title given by courtesy to the senior captain, when three or more ships of war are cruising in company.3.
The convoy or leading ship in a fleet of merchantmen, which carries a light in her top to conduct the other ships.