I. səˈbȯltə(r)n sometimes ˈsəˌbȯ-, chiefly Brit ˈsəbəltən adjective
Etymology: Late Latin subalternus, from Latin sub- + alternus alternate, from alter other (of two) — more at alter
1. : ranked or ranged below : inferior in status or quality : subordinate
the congenitally subaltern type of man — H.L.Mencken
as
a. : relating to or typical of subordinate status
subaltern fears
b. : held or holding from one who is himself a vassal
a subaltern manor
a subaltern vassal
c. chiefly Britain : holding a rank below that of captain
2.
[Medieval Latin subalternus, from Late Latin, subordinate]
: particular with reference to a related universal or general
“some S is P” is a subaltern proposition to “all S is P”
II. noun
( -s )
1.
a. : a person holding a subordinate position or being inferior in respect to some quality or characteristic
natural subalterns, ill-trained and uninterested
b. chiefly Britain : a commissioned officer below the rank of captain
2.
[Medieval Latin subalternus, from subalternus, adjective]
: a subaltern proposition : a logical subalternate