Commodore

Part of speech: noun (n.)

1. 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.

2. A captain commanding a squadron, or a division of a fleet, or having the temporary rank of rear admiral.

3. A title given courtesy to the senior captain of a line of merchant vessels, and also to the chief officer of a yachting or rowing club.

4. A familiar for the flagchip, or for the principal vessel of a squadron or fleet.