Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Commander
1.
A chief; one who has supreme authority; a leader; the chief officer of an army, or of any division of it.
A leader and
commander
to the people. Is. lv. 4.
2.
(Navy)
An officer who ranks next below a captain, – ranking with a lieutenant colonel in the army.
3.
The chief officer of a commandery.
Webster 1828 Edition
Commander
COMMANDER
,Noun.
1.
A chief; one who has supreme authority; a leader; the chief officer of an army, or of any division of it. The term may also be applied to the admiral of a fleet, or of a squadron, or to any supreme officer; as the commander of the land or of the naval force; the commander of a ship.2.
One on whom is bestowed a benefice or commandry.3.
A heavy beetle or wooden mallet, used in paving, &c. 4.
An instrument of surgery.