\Pay"mas`ter-gen"er*al\
1.
   (a) (Mil.) In the United States army, an officer of the
       rank of brigadier general, who commands the pay
       department, which is charged with the payment of the
       officers and men.
   (b) (Nav.) In the United States navy, the Chief of the
       Bureau of Provisions and Clothing, who has charge of
       the payment of officers and men and their clothing and
       subsistence. He has the rank of rear admiral.
2. In Great Britain, an officer of the Treasury who makes all
   payments and disbursements, civil as well as military. He
   is a member of the ministry, but not of the cabinet.