Mandarin

A general term applied to Chinese officers of every grade by foreigners. It is derived from the Portuguese mandar , “to command”; the Chinese equivalent is kwan . There are nine ranks, each distinguished by a different-colored ball or button placed on the apex of the cap, by a peculiar emblazonry on the breast, and a different clasp of the girdle. The military mandarins are selected by the emperor of China to superintend and command the militia of the country.