ADMIRAL

A great naval officer, who lias the same power and authority over the maritime forces of a state that a general has over its land forces; and who also tries himself, or appoints officers to try, maritime cases. There are three ranks of Admirals, the Admiral (or full Admiral), Vice Admiral, and Rear Admiral. Each of tl again has three gradations, of red, white, and I lours of the flags they bear. The Admiral carries his l! ig atmast.the main, the Vice'at (he fore, and the Rear at the mizen Admiral, Lord High. The ninth great, officer of state in England. The office has been usually giv. since the reign of Henry IV., to some of the king's youngesl sons, near kinsmen, or of the higher nubility. Since the reign of Charles II. it has been, With occasional exceptions, always in commi ion, and the commi ioners are styled 'Lords of the Admiralty.' It was held by the late sovereign William IV., when Duke of Clarence, from 1827 to the following year. [s. 28]