Com"mo*dore` (?), n. [Prob. a corruption of commander, or Sp. comendador a knight of a military order who holds a commandery; also a superior of a monastery;, fr. LL. commendare to command. Cf. Commend, Command, Commander.]
1. U. S. Navy
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. Brititsh Navy
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.
© Webster 1913.