in the military art of the ancients, an instrument much in the nature of a trumpet; which when it only sounded, the ensigns were to march alone without the soldiers; whereas when the trumpet only sounded, the soldiers were to move without the ensigns. The cornets and bugles founded the charge and retreat; and the cornets and trumpets founded during the course of the battle. See Plate CLXIV.

in modern military economy, denotes an officer in the cavalry who bears the ensign or colours of a troop.

The cornet is the third officer in the company, and commands in the absence of the captain and lieutenant. He takes his title from his ensign, which is square; and is supposed to be called by that name from cornu, because placed on the wings, which form a kind of points or horns of the army. Others derive the name from coronet; alleging, that it was the ancient custom for these officers to wear coronets or garlands on their heads.