Sub*al"tern (?), a. [F. subalterne, LL. subalternus, fr. L. sub under + alter the one, the other of two. See Alter.]
1.
Ranked or ranged below; subordinate; inferior; specifically Mil., ranking as a junior officer; being below the rank of captain; as, a subaltern officer.
2. Logic
Asserting only a part of what is asserted in a related proposition.
Subaltern genus. Logic See under Genus.
© Webster 1913.
Sub*al"tern (?), n.
1.
A person holding a subordinate position; specifically, a commissioned military officer below the rank of captain.
2. Logic
A subaltern proposition.
Whately.
© Webster 1913.