(pronounced cornel), the chief commander of a regiment, whether of infantry or of cavalry. Skinner derives the word from colony, on the ground that the chiefs of colonies, called coloniales, might give name to leaders or commanders of forces. See COMMISSION.

Colonel-Lieutenant, the commander of a regiment of guards, of which the king, prince, or other person of eminence, is colonel. Colonel-lieutenants have always a colonel's commission, and are usually general officers.

Lieutenant-Colonel, the second officer in a regiment, who commands in the absence of the colonel.