Peter,

 

According to the evidence given in the OED, the terms you mention came from the French, where the adjective follows the noun.  The brigadier is the leader of a brigade, and the brigadier general is the same thing – I guess the meaning of the adjective is neutralized.  This is similar to lieutenant general, except that this rank falls just below that of the general.   There is no indication that the term for this officer came from “general officer,” only that that is its meaning.  The origin of the term must be as a substantive use of the adjective that occurs in such phrases as “general orders” meaning those that originate with the commander-in-chief.  I recommend an acquaintance and  liberal use of this fine resource (Oxford English Dictionary). 

 

Bruce

 

 

I've had the same reaction to that form of address, since general is a following adjective in attorney general and surgeon general, but it raises a question perhaps someone on the list can answer. Presumably the military rank of general originated as an adjective (from "general officer"??). Anyone know how the noun "general" derived from an earlier adjectival form. Also, in ranks such as brigadier general and lieutenant general, which term is the modifier?

Dick Veit
To join or leave this LISTSERV list, please visit the list's web interface at: http://listserv.muohio.edu/archives/ateg.html and select "Join or leave the list"

Visit ATEG's web site at http://ateg.org/