LIEUTENANT, an officer who supplies the place and discharges the office of a superior in his absence. Of these, some are civil, as the lords-lieutenants of kingdoms, and the lords-lieutenants of counties; and others are military, as the lieutenant-general, lieutenant-colonel, &c.
LORD-LIEUTENANT of Ireland, is properly a viceroy; and has all the state and grandeur of a king of England, except being served upon the knee. He has the power of making war and peace, of bestowing all the offices under the government, of dubbing knights, and of pardoning all crimes except high treason; he also calls and prorogues the parliament, but no bill can pass without the royal assent. He is assisted in his government by a privy-council; and on his leaving the kingdom, he appoints the lords of the regency, who govern in his absence.
LORDS-LIEUTENANTS of Counties, are officers, who, upon any invasion or rebellion, have power to raise the militia, and to give commissions to colonels and other officers, to arm and form them into regiments,
troops, and companies. Under the lords-lieutenants, Lieutenant are deputy-lieutenants, who have the same power; these are chosen by the lords-lieutenants, out of the principal gentlemen of each county, and presented to the king for his approbation.