Commodore

Webster's Dictionary of the English Language

·noun A familiar for the flagship, or for the principal vessel of a squadron or fleet.

II. Commodore ·noun A captain commanding a squadron, or a division of a fleet, or having the temporary rank of rear admiral.

III. Commodore ·noun 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.

IV. Commodore ·noun 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.