Definition

1. Noun:

   • A military commission conferring a higher nominal rank without an increase in pay or command authority: A "brevet" is an official document that grants an officer a higher titular rank as an honor or for specific duty, but the officer does not receive the full salary or permanent command responsibilities of that rank.

2. Verb:

   • To confer a brevet rank upon an officer: To promote an officer by brevet, meaning to grant the honorary title of a higher rank without the corresponding pay or substantive position.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:

  • He received a brevet to the rank of colonel for his gallant conduct during the battle.
  • The brevet was a recognition of his service, though his actual duties and pay remained that of a captain.

• Verb:

  • The general decided to brevet the courageous lieutenant for his actions on the field.
  • Several officers were brevetted after the successful campaign.

Advanced Usage

• "Brevet rank": The honorary rank itself that is held by an officer.

  • He served in the position while holding a brevet rank of major.

• "Brevet promotion": The act or instance of promoting via brevet.

  • His brevet promotion was noted in the official dispatches.

Variants and Related Words

• Brevetcy (n): The state or condition of holding a brevet rank.
  • His brevetcy allowed him to be addressed by the higher title.

Synonyms

• Noun: Honorary commission, titular promotion.
• Verb: Honorarily promote, confer a titular rank.

Related Phrases

• "To hold by brevet": To possess a rank by virtue of a brevet commission.
  • At that time, he was a captain who held the rank of major by brevet.

Notes on Meaning

• The concept of "brevet" is almost exclusively used in a historical or formal military context. It signifies a distinction between an officer's rank (for pay and command) and their or rank (for title and prestige). It is not used in civilian contexts.

Noun

1. a document entitling a commissioned officer to hold a higher rank temporarily (but without higher pay)

Verb

1. promote somebody by brevet, in the military