- 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. - 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. - 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. - An American marine fish of the genus Porichthys, allied
to the toadfish.
Definition
[ n.]