MAJOR

In the art Military, a field officer next in rank above a captain, and immediately inferior to a lieutenant-colonel. His chief duties consist in superintending the exercises of his regiment or battalion, and of putting in execution the commands of his superior officer. This cla of field officers did not exist till the beginning of the 17th century. The prices of a major's commi ion and his pay in the British army are as follow: — In the regiments of the line, 3200/.; pay, l . per diem: in the dragoons, 4575/.; pay, 195. 3d. per diem: in the life and royal horse guards,.5350/.; pay, 1/. 4s. 5d. per diem: and in the foot guards (with the rank of colonel), 8300/.; pay, 1/. 3s. This appellation of major does not exist either in the artillery or engineers. Brigade-major is a staff officer, who performs for a brigade, or in a garrison, duties equivalent to those of a major in a regiment or battalion. Major-general is an officer next in rank below a lieutenant-general, whose functions he has to discharge in the absence of his superior officer. [s. 711]