Definition of brevet in English:
brevet
nounPlural brevets ˈbrɛvɪtbrəˈvɛt
often as modifier A former type of military commission conferred especially for outstanding service, by which an officer was promoted to a higher rank without the corresponding pay.
Example sentencesExamples
- When promoted to brevet major general, he was the youngest American to ever hold that rank.
- There is no record that he received a brevet of any grade.
- Receipt of ‘wings’ or the pilot's brevet, is a significant event in a pilot's career.
- He rose from second lieutenant to brevet major general in only four years.
- Meritorious service in three battles won him promotions to brevet major.
- Promoted to the brevet rank of brigadier general, his division was prominent in the last stages of the war.
verbbrevetted, breveted, brevets, breveting, brevetting ˈbrɛvɪtbrəˈvɛt
[with object]Confer a brevet rank on.
Example sentencesExamples
- He was often breveted for gallantry, and became quartermaster general of the U.S. Army.
- The newly breveted Captain shook his head, the area was so peaceful.
- He had been promoted to captain, and later he was brevetted major for ‘gallant and meritorious service’.
- It was rumored that she was brevetted a colonel, but there is no evidence of this.
- The truth is that Pickett was cited for gallantry and was breveted twice in fighting in Mexico.
Origin
Late Middle English (denoting an official letter, especially a papal indulgence): from Old French brievet 'little letter', diminutive of bref.