01 n. 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…
pl.
Midshipmen
-
1.
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.
-
2.
An American marine fish of the genus Porichthys, allied to the toadfish; also called singingfish.(Zool.) Also: singingfish
Phrases & compounds
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.