brevet

[ bruh-vet, brev-it ]

noun

1. a commission promoting a military officer to a higher rank without increase of pay and with limited exercise of the higher rank, often granted as an honor immediately before retirement.

verb (used with object)

, bre·vet·ted, bre·vet·ting or bre·vet·ed, bre·vet·ing.

1. to appoint, promote, or honor by brevet.

brevet

/ ˈbrɛvɪt /

noun

1. a document entitling a commissioned officer to hold temporarily a higher military rank without the appropriate pay and allowances

verb

1. tr to promote by brevet

Derived Forms

• ˈbrevetcy, noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of brevet¹

1325–75; Middle English < Anglo-French; Old French brievet. See brief, -et

Word History and Origins

Origin of brevet¹

C14: from Old French brievet a little letter, from brief letter; see brief

Example Sentences

To Mildred he was one of that numerous army of brevet relations known as gran-pop, pop, or uncle.

From Project Gutenberg

Martin Falleix obtained a brevet for invention and a gold medal at the Exposition of 1824.

From Project Gutenberg

On the reorganization of the army in 1815 he was retained as colonel in the Rifle Regiment, with brevet rank of brigadier-general.

From Project Gutenberg

Such ability and devotion brought him home from Mexico bearing the brevet rank of Colonel.

From Project Gutenberg

He rose to the brevet rank of major and served in the war of 1812 against Great Britain.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• agency
• authority
• delegation
• office