2 entries under this word

Subaltern

Sub-al'tern, a.

adjective

(113), a. [Fr. subalterne, Sp. & It. subalterno, L. Lat. subalternus, from Lat. sub, under, and alternus, one after another, from alter, the one, the other of two.] Ranked or ranged below; subordinate; inferior; as, a subaltern officer.

Sub-al'tern, n.

noun

n. A person holding a subordinate position; and, specifically, a commissioned military officer below the rank of captain.