Entity: MASTER-AND-COMMANDER
Master-and-Commander originated in the 18th century to describe naval officers who commanded ships of war too large for a lieutenant but too small for a post-captain. It also refers to cutting someone off mid-sentence when they are more knowledgeable or superior in rank.
MASTER-AND-COMMANDER
Etymology
The term 'Master-and-Commander' originated in the 18th century to describe naval officers who commanded ships of war too large for a lieutenant but too small for a post-captain. It was later used to cut someone off mid-sentence when they are more knowledgeable or superior in rank.
Definition
Master-and-Commander is a term used to describe naval officers who command ships of intermediate size or to cut someone off mid-sentence when they are more knowledgeable or superior in rank.
Historical Context
In the Middle Ages and Tudor period, captains of navy ships were gentlemen or noblemen appointed by the King or Lords of the Admiralty. The term 'Master-and-Commander' evolved to denote the commanding officer of a small vessel who also acted as the master.
Cultural Significance
The term gained cultural significance through works like the Patrick O’Brian novel 'Master and Commander', which focuses on the characters Jack Aubrey and Stephen Maturin in the Royal Navy.
Related Concepts
- Captain vs. Master: The distinction between the roles of captain and master in naval contexts.
See Also
A term used to describe naval officers who command ships of intermediate size or to cut someone off mid-sentence when they are more knowledgeable or superior in rank.