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substantive rank

British  
/ səbˈstæntɪv /

noun

  1. a permanent rank in the armed services obtained by length of service, selection, etc

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

He was promoted brevet lieutenant-colonel and shortly afterwards to the same substantive rank.

From Project Gutenberg

Under previous legislation, death benefits were calculated on the "substantive rank held at the date of death", unless the individual had been in an acting rank for at least a year.

From BBC

At sea the name of captain is given to all who command ships whether they belong to the military navy of their country or not, or whether they hold the substantive rank or not.

From Project Gutenberg

He reached the substantive rank of major in December 1884, and from that year till 1889 was a major of the 9th Lancers, when he was transferred to the 5th Lancers.

From Project Gutenberg

It may be said that every writer of force and originality traverses two phases of opinion before his substantive rank in the great order of merit is definitely fixed: he is either depressed or exalted unduly.

From Project Gutenberg