\Corps of Engineers\, a corps of officers and
enlisted men consisting of one band and three battalions of
engineers commanded by a brigadier general, whose title is
Chief of Engineers. It has charge of the construction of
fortifications for land and seacoast defense, the improvement
of rivers and harbors, the construction of lighthouses, etc.,
and, in time of war, supervises the engineering operations of
the armies in the field.
(b) In the United States navy, a corps made up of the
    engineers, which was amalgamated with the line by act of
    March 3, 1899. It consisted of assistant and passed
    assistant engineers, ranking with ensigns and
    lieutenants, chief engineers, ranking from lieutenant to
    captain, and engineer in chief, ranking with commodore
    and having charge of the Bureau of Steam Engineering.