\Bre*vet"\ (br[-e]*v[e^]t"; 277), n. [F. brevet, LL.
brevetum, fr. L. brevis short. See {Brief}.]
1. A warrant from the government, granting a privilege,
   title, or dignity. [French usage].
2. (Mil.) A commission giving an officer higher rank than
   that for which he receives pay; an honorary promotion of
   an officer.
Note: In the United States army, rank by brevet is conferred,
      by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, for
      ``gallant actions or meritorious services.'' A brevet
      rank gives no right of command in the particular corps
      to which the officer brevetted belongs, and can be
      exercised only by special assignment of the President,
      or on court martial, and detachments composed of
      different corps, with pay of the brevet rank when on
      such duty.

\Bre*vet"\ (br[-e]*v[e^]t"), v. t. [imp. & p. p.
{Brevetted}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Brevetting}.] (Mil.)
To confer rank upon by brevet.

\Bre*vet"\, a. (Mil.)
Taking or conferring rank by brevet; as, a brevet colonel; a
brevet commission.