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Webster 1913 Edition

Midshipman

Mid′shipˊman

,
Noun.
;
pl.
Midshipmen
.
1.
(a)
Formerly, a kind of naval cadet, in a ship of war, whose business was to carry orders, messages, reports, etc., between the officers of the quarter-deck and those of the forecastle, and render other services as required.
(b)
In the English naval service, the second rank attained by a combatant officer after a term of service as naval cadet. Having served three and a half years in this rank, and passed an examination, he is eligible to promotion to the rank of lieutenant.
(c)
In the United States navy, the lowest grade of officers in line of promotion, being students or graduates of the Naval Academy awaiting promotion to the rank of ensign.
2.
(Zool.)
An American marine fish of the genus
Porichthys
, allied to the toadfish; also called
singingfish
.
Cadet midshipman
,
formerly a title distinguishing a cadet line officer from a cadet engineer at the U. S. Naval Academy. See under
Cadet
.
–
Cadet midshipman
,
formerly, a naval cadet who had served his time, passed his examinations, and was awaiting promotion; – now called, in the United States,
midshipman
; in England,
sublieutenant
.

Webster 1828 Edition

Midshipman

MID'SHIPMAN

,
Noun.
In ships of war, a kind of naval cadet, whose business is to second the orders of the superior officers and assist in the necessary business of the ship, particularly in managing the sails,that he may be trained to a knowledge of the machinery, discipline and operations of ships of war, and qualified for naval service.

Definition 2024

midshipman

midshipman

English

Noun

midshipman ‎(plural midshipmen)

  1. (nautical) An officer of the lowest rank in several navies; especially, a trainee officer.
  2. (nautical, uncountable) This officer rank.
  3. A midshipman fish.

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