catflap.org Online Dictionary Query

  Midshipman \Mid"ship`man\, n.; pl. Midshipmen.
     [1913 Webster]
     1.
        (a) Formerly, a kind of naval cadet, in a ship of war,
            whose business was to carry orders, messages, reports,
            etc., between the officers of the quarter-deck and
            those of the forecastle, and render other services as
            required.
        (b) In the English naval service, the second rank attained
            by a combatant officer after a term of service as
            naval cadet. Having served three and a half years in
            this rank, and passed an examination, he is eligible
            to promotion to the rank of lieutenant.
        (c) In the United States navy, the lowest grade of
            officers in line of promotion, being students or
            graduates of the Naval Academy awaiting promotion to
            the rank of ensign.
            [1913 Webster]
  
     2. (Zo["o]l.) An American marine fish of the genus
        Porichthys, allied to the toadfish; also called
        singingfish.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     Cadet midshipman, formerly a title distinguishing a cadet
        line officer from a cadet engineer at the U. S. Naval
        Academy. See under Cadet.
  
     Cadet midshipman, formerly, a naval cadet who had served
        his time, passed his examinations, and was awaiting
        promotion; -- now called, in the United States,
        midshipman; in England, sublieutenant.
        [1913 Webster]

  Midshipman \Mid"ship`man\, n.; pl. Midshipmen.
     1.
        (a) Formerly, a kind of naval cadet, in a ship of war,
            whose business was to carry orders, messages, reports,
            etc., between the officers of the quarter-deck and
            those of the forecastle, and render other services as
            required.
        (b) In the English naval service, the second rank attained
            by a combatant officer after a term of service as
            naval cadet. Having served three and a half years in
            this rank, and passed an examination, he is eligible
            to promotion to the rank of lieutenant.
        (c) In the United States navy, the lowest grade of
            officers in line of promotion, being graduates of the
            Naval Academy awaiting promotion to the rank of
            ensign.
  
     2. (Zo["o]l.) An American marine fish of the genus
        Porichthys, allied to the toadfish.
  
     Cadet midshipman, formerly a title distinguishing a cadet
        line officer from a cadet engineer at the U. S. Naval
        Academy. See under Cadet.
  
     Cadet midshipman, formerly, a naval cadet who had served
        his time, passed his examinations, and was awaiting
        promotion; -- now called, in the United States,
        midshipman; in England, sublieutenant.