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-confidant, and the earl-marshal; each of which see under its proper article.

Non-committed Officers, are serjeant-majors, quarter-master serjeants, serjeants, corporals, drum and fifes 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-committed 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 serjeant 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.

Commission Officers, are such as are appointed by the king's commission. Such are all from the general to the cornet and ensign inclusive. They are thus called in contradistinction to non-committed officers. See Non-Commissioned Officers.

General Officers, are those whose command is not limited to a single company, troop, or regiment; but extends to a body of forces composed of several regiments: such are the general, lieutenant-general, major-general, and brigadier.

Officers of the Household. See the article Household.

Staff Officers, are such as, in the king's presence, bear a white staff or wand; and at other times, on their going abroad, have it carried before them by a footman bare-headed: such are the lord-steward, lord-chamberlain, lord treasurer, &c.

The white staff is taken for a commission; and, at the king's death, each of these officers breaks his staff over the hearse made for the king's body, and by this means Officiers lays down his commission, and discharges all his inferior officers.

Subaltern Officers, are all who administer justice in the name of subjects; as those who act under the earl marshal, admiral, &c. In the army, the subaltern officers are the lieutenants, cornets, ensigns, sergeants, and corporals.