OFFICER, a person possessed of a post or office. See the preceding article.
The great officers of the crown, or state, are, The lord high steward, the lord high chancellor, the lord high treasurer, the lord president of the council, the lord privy seal, the lord chamberlain, the lord high constable, and the earl marshal; each of which see under its proper article.
Non-commissioned OFFICERS, are sergeant majors, quartermaster sergeants, sergeants, corporals, drum and file majors; who are nominated by their respective captains, and appointed by the commanding officers of regiments, and by them reduced without a court martial.
Orderly non-commissioned OFFICERS, are those who are orderly, or on duty for that week; who, on hearing the drum beat for orders, are to repair to the place appointed to receive them, and to take down in writing, in the orderly book, what is dictated by the adjutant, or sergeant major: they are then immediately to show these orders to the officers of the company, and afterwards warn the men for duty.
Flag OFFICERS. See FLAG Officers, and ADMIRALS.