colonel etymology

Etymology of "Colonel":

The word "colonel" comes ultimately from the Latin term "columna", meaning "column".

Meaning of "Colonel":

A colonel is a high-ranking military officer who typically commands a regiment, a group of battalions.

Origin of "Colonel":

The term "colonel" originated in the early 16th century in the Italian city-states. It was used to refer to the commander of a "colonna", a military formation consisting of a group of soldiers arranged in a vertical column.

Evolution of the Term:

As military formations evolved, the term "colonel" came to be applied to the commander of a larger unit, known as a regiment. In the British Army, the rank of colonel became formally established in the 17th century.

Usage in Different Contexts:

  • In the military, "colonel" is a specific military rank.
  • In some civilian organizations, such as police departments and fire departments, "colonel" may be used as a honorary or ceremonial title.
  • In some countries, "colonel" may also be a title of nobility or a prefix for the name of a high-ranking official.

colonel relate terms

  • coronel

    Etymology The word coronel has its origins in the Latin word colonellus which was a

  • colonel

    Etymology of Colonel The word colonel comes ultimately from the Latin term columna

  • colonel

    Etymology of Colonel The word colonel comes ultimately from the Latin term columna

  • colonnade

    Etymology From French colonnade From Middle French colonnade From Italian colonnada

  • colophon

    Etymology Greek κολόφων kolophôn meaning summit Meaning A brief stat

  • column

    Etymology Meaning Origin column vertical support or p

  • culminate

    Etymology Latin culmināre to reach the top come to a climax from culmen top sum

  • culmination

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  • excel

    Etymology Excel comes from the Latin word excellere meaning to surpass or to excel M

  • excellence

    Etymology of Excellence Latin excellentia French excellence Middle English excelle

  • excellent

    Etymology Excellent Late Middle English in the sense transcending what is ordinary

  • excelsior

    Etymology The word excelsior comes from Latin specifically from the phrase excelsus

  • hill

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  • holm

    Etymology The word holm has Old English origins and is derived from the following Ol

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  • simon pure

    Etymology Simon Pure Late 17th century from Simon Pures 1670 plural name a cant t

  • major

    Etymology Old French majur Latin major greater Meaning Of greater size impo

  • appellation

    Etymology The word appellation comes from the Latin word appellare meaning to call

  • rickey

    Etymology Derived from the following Germanic elements ric power ruler win fri

  • martinet

    Etymology The word martinet comes from the French word Martin which in turn is a sh

  • soldier

    Etymology The word soldier comes from the Middle French word souldier which in tur

  • corona

    Etymology The word corona is derived from the Latin word corona which means crown

  • imperative

    Etymology The word imperative is derived from the Latin word imperare meaning to co

  • drive

    Etymology The word drive has its roots in Old English deriving from the verb drīfan