\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. (British Navy) A captain commanding a squadron, or a
   division of a fleet, or having the temporary rank of rear
   admiral.
3. A title given by 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 flagship, or for the principal vessel
   of a squadron or fleet.