Com"mo*dore` (?), n. [Prob. a
corruption of commander, or Sp. comendador a knight
of a military order who holds a commandery; also a superior of a
monastery, fr. LL. commendare to command. Cf.
Commend, Command, Commander.]
1. (U. S. Navy) An officer who ranks
next above a captain; sometimes, by courtesy, the senior captain
of a squadron. The rank of commodore corresponds with that of
brigadier general in the army.
2. (British Navy) A captain
commanding a squadron, or a division of a fleet, or having the
temporary rank of rear admiral.
3. A title given by courtesy to the
senior captain of a line of merchant vessels, and also to the
chief officer of a yachting or rowing club.
4. A familiar for the flagship, or for
the principal vessel of a squadron or fleet.
