Definition

1. Noun:
   • Historical government official: The "War Secretary" was the head of the former United States Department of War. This cabinet-level position was responsible for the administration of the U.S. Army. The office was abolished in 1947 when the Department of War was merged with the Department of the Navy to form the National Military Establishment, later the Department of Defense, led by the Secretary of Defense.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Henry L. Stimson served as the War Secretary during World War II.
  • The decision to reorganize the military branches led to the replacement of the War Secretary with the Secretary of Defense.

Advanced Usage

• Historical Context: The term "War Secretary" is primarily used in historical or academic discussions about U.S. government structure prior to 1947.
  • In his biography, the general's frequent correspondence with the War Secretary is detailed.

Variants and Related Words

• Secretary of War: This is a synonymous title for the same historical position.
  • Edwin Stanton was the Secretary of War under President Lincoln.
• Secretary of Defense: The modern cabinet official who leads the Department of Defense, which absorbed the functions of the War Secretary.
• War Department: The former executive department headed by the War Secretary.

Synonyms

• Secretary of War: The formal, equivalent title.

Noun

1. head of a former executive department; combined with the Navy Secretary to form the Defense Secretary in 1947