MIDSHIPMAN
midshipman
(noun) a temporary rank held by young naval officers in training
Source: WordNet® 3.1
Noun
midshipman (plural midshipmen)
(nautical) An officer of the lowest rank in several navies; especially, a trainee officer.
A midshipman fish.
Source: Wiktionary
Mid"ship`man, n.; 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 graduates of the Naval Academy awaiting promotion
to the rank of ensign.
2. (Zoöl.)
Definition: An American marine fish of the genus Porichthys, allied to the
toadfish. 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.
Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition