Lieutenant

This word is originally derived from the Latin legatus, locum tenens, and comes immediately to us from the French lieu-tenant, supplying or holding the place of another. In a military sense it means the second person or officer in command. Lieutenant-general, the next in command to a general; lieutenant-colonel, the next to a colonel; captain-lieutenant, an intermediate rank; and lieutenant, the next to a captain, in every company of both foot and horse, and who takes the command upon the death or absence of his superior officer. Fuzileer corps, grenadiers, and light infantry, in the British service, have second lieutenants and no ensigns, a very absurd distinction.