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)

brevetted, brevetting, breveted, breveting. 

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

Other Word Forms

• brevetcy 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

I hereby grant you the rank of brevet colonel in the army of the level-headed, Pacific Command.

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The party made camp the first night in Frederick, Md., where a brevet lieutenant colonel joined the group as a last-minute observer for the Tank Corps.

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Existing rules require hairdressers to hold a brevet professionnel, or professional qualification, before opening a salon.

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After the war’s end, Otis was brevetted with the rank of lieutenant colonel by his commander Rutherford B. Hayes, who commended Otis for his “gallantry and meritorious services.”

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He was breveted Major by President Polk “for gallant and meritorious conduct at Chereubusco” and a little later was made Lieutenant Colonel “for gallant and conspicuous bravery at Chapaultepec.”

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Related Words

• agency 
• authority 
• delegation 
• office