midshipman

A student training to be a commissioned naval officer, especially a student at a naval academy.

Any of various toadfishes of the genus Porichthys found in coastal waters of the Americas, having several rows of light-producing organs along the sides of their bodies.

In 1902, Congress abolished the title of naval cadet in the United States navy and restored the title of midshipman. These officers are not commissioned officers, but receive appointments on probation, on the nomination of the President of the United States, of senators, or of congressmen, and the passage of an entrance examination to the Naval Academy. The course of instruction at the Naval Academy lasts four years and is followed by two years at sea, after which midshipmen are promoted to ensigns or second lieutenants of marines upon passing a final examination.

A warrant officer in the British navy of the lowest grade of officers in the line of promotion.

In the United States navy, formerly, an officer of corresponding rank and duties whose designation is now naval cadet.

In ichthyology, a batrachoid fish, Porichthys margaritatus: so called from the rows of round luminous bodies along the belly, like the buttons of a naval cadet’s coat.

Formerly, a kind of naval cadet, in a ship of war, whose business was to carry orders, messages, reports, etc., between the officers of the quarter-deck and those of the forecastle, and render other services as required.

In the English naval service, the second rank attained by a combatant officer after a term of service as naval cadet. Having served three and a half years in this rank, and passed an examination, he is eligible to promotion to the rank of lieutenant.

In the United States navy, the lowest grade of officers in line of promotion, being students or graduates of the Naval Academy awaiting promotion to the rank of ensign.