n. [ Cf. F. commandeur. Cf. Commodore, Commender. ] 1. A chief; one who has supreme authority; a leader; the chief officer of an army, or of any division of it. [ 1913 Webster ]
A leader and commander to the people. Is. lv. 4. [ 1913 Webster ]
2. (Navy) An officer who ranks next below a captain, -- ranking with a lieutenant colonel in the army. [ 1913 Webster ]
3. The chief officer of a commandery. [ 1913 Webster ]
4. A heavy beetle or wooden mallet, used in paving, in sail lofts, etc. [ 1913 Webster ]
Commander in chief, the military title of the officer who has supreme command of the land or naval forces or the united forces of a nation or state; a generalissimo. The President is commander in chief of the army and navy of the United States.
Syn. -- See Chief. [ 1913 Webster ]