officer

noun

1. 1

   One who has a position of authority in a hierarchical organization, especially in military, police or government organizations.

2. 2

   A respectful term of address for an officer, especially a police officer.

   Nothing was too small to receive attention, if a supervising eye could suggest improvements likely to conduce to the common welfare. Mr. Gordon Burnage, for instance, personally visited dust-bins and back premises, accompanied by a sort of village bailiff, going his round like a commanding officer doing billets.

3. 3

   One who holds a public office.

4. 4

   An agent or servant imparted with the ability, to some degree, to act on initiative.

   Early in the Talmudic period the service was divided between two officers. One was invited to recite the Shema including the benedictions connected with it... After he was through, another man was invited to stand up before the pulpit facing the direction of Jerusalem to recite the prayer proper, i.e., the Amida.

5. 5

   A commissioned officer.

verb

1. 1

   To supply with officers.

2. 2

   To command as or like an officer.

   Many of our journals are officered by Irish gentlemen, and their gallant brigade does the penning among us, as their ancestors used to transact the fighting in Europe; and engage under many a flag, to be good friends when the battle is over.

   The regular battalions of the regiment, though officered mainly by Anglo-Welshmen of county families, did not normally contain more than about one Welshman in fifty in the ranks.

   [A]t least a quarter of those who fought and died in the Great War were prosperous with spacious homes, and to this class belonged nearly all who had ordered and officered the carnage.

Forms

plural

officers

past tense

officered

past participle

officered

present participle

officering

third person singular

officers