brevet

American  

[bruh-vet, brev-it] / brəˈvɛt, ˈbrɛv ɪt /

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 British  

/ 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

Etymology

Origin of brevet

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

Example Sentences

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

From Fox News • Nov. 27, 2019

Rolling in after 407km, we got our brevet cards stamped and tucked into warming bowls of homemade daal.

From The Guardian • May 31, 2018

Cavalry drew fresh supplies from the hold of the Far West, galloped off under command of a dashing, handsome 37-year-old brevet major general who wore a flowing red tie and had distinguished himself at Gettysburg.

From Time Magazine Archive

In his own absence from Washington, Johnson has increasingly relied on the Defense Secretary to act as unofficial brevet deputy President.

From Time Magazine Archive

I understand a sister of his was at Thorncliffe at the time of his trial, &c., the wife of a brevet lieutenant-colonel in the 4th regiment.

From Twenty-Five Years in the Rifle Brigade by Surtees, William

Related Words

• agency
• authority
• delegation
• office