in the military art, is an officer whose business it is to assist the major. Each battalion of foot and regiment of horse has an adjutant, who receives the orders every night from the brigade-major; which, after carrying them to the colonel, he delivers out to the sergeants. When detachments are to be made, he gives the number to be furnished by each company or troop, and assigns the hour and place of rendezvous. He also places the guards; receives, and distributes the ammunition to the companies, &c.; and, by the major's orders, regulates the prices of bread, beer, and other provisions. The word is sometimes used by the French for an aid-du-camp.

Adjutants-general, among the Jesuits, a select number of fathers, who resided with the general of the order, each of whom had a province or country assigned him, as England, Holland, &c., and their business was to inform the father-general of state occurrences in such countries. To this end they had their correspondents delegated, emissaries, visitors, regents, provincials, &c.