n. 1 a person who commands, esp.: a a naval officer next in rank below captain. b = wing commander. 2 an officer in charge of a London police district. 3 (in full knight commander) a member of a higher class in some orders of knighthood. 4 a large wooden mallet. commander-in-chief the supreme commander, esp. of a nation's forces. Commander of the Faithful a title of a Caliph. commandership n.
[ ME f. OF comandere, -eör f. Rmc (as COMMAND) ]