\Mid"ship`man\, n.; pl. {Midshipmen}.
1.
   (a) 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.
   (b) 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.
   (c) In the United States navy, the lowest grade of
       officers in line of promotion, being graduates of the
       Naval Academy awaiting promotion to the rank of
       ensign.
2. (Zo["o]l.) An American marine fish of the genus
   {Porichthys}, allied to the toadfish.
{Cadet midshipman}, formerly a title distinguishing a cadet
   line officer from a cadet engineer at the U. S. Naval
   Academy. See under {Cadet}.
{Cadet midshipman}, formerly, a naval cadet who had served
   his time, passed his examinations, and was awaiting
   promotion; -- now called, in the United States,
   {midshipman}; in England, {sublieutenant}.