Sub*al"tern (?), a. [F. subalterne, LL. subalternus, fr. L. sub under + alter the one, the other of two. See Alter.] 1. Ranked or ranged below; subordinate; inferior; specifically (Mil.), ranking as a junior officer; being below the rank of captain; as, a subaltern officer.

2. (Logic) Asserting only a part of what is asserted in a related proposition.

Sub*al"tern (?), n. 1. A person holding a subordinate position; specifically, a commissioned military officer below the rank of captain.

2. (Logic) A subaltern proposition. Whately.

Sub*al"tern (?), a. [F. subalterne, LL. subalternus, fr. L. sub under + alter the one, the other of two. See Alter.] 1. Ranked or ranged below; subordinate; inferior; specifically (Mil.), ranking as a junior officer; being below the rank of captain; as, a subaltern officer.

2. (Logic) Asserting only a part of what is asserted in a related proposition.

Sub*al"tern (?), n. 1. A person holding a subordinate position; specifically, a commissioned military officer below the rank of captain.

2. (Logic) A subaltern proposition. Whately.

• of a lower rank or position; inferior or secondary
  
• a subordinate
  
• (British) a commissioned officer having a rank just below that of Captain