military officer, whereof there are various kinds, according to their commands.

Captain of a troop or company, an inferior officer, who commands a troop of horse, or company of foot, under a colonel. In the same sense we say, captain of dragoons, of grenadiers, of marines, of invalids, &c.

In the horse and foot guards, the captains have the rank of colonels.

Captain general, he who commands in chief.

Captain lieutenant, he who with the rank of captain, but the pay of lieutenant, commands a troop or company in the name and place of some other person who is dispensed with on account of his quality from performing the functions of his post.

Thus the colonel, being usually captain of the first company of his regiment; that company is commanded by his deputy, under the title of captain-lieutenant.

So in England, as well as in France, the king, queen, dauphin, princes, &c. have usually the title of captains of the guards, gens d'armes, &c. the real duty of which offices is performed by captain-lieutenants.

Captain reformed, one who, upon the reduction of the forces, has his commission and company suppressed; yet is continued captain, either as second to another, or without any post or command at all.

Captain of militia, he who commands a company of the militia, or trained bands. See Militia.