— cadetship , n.
/keuh det"/ , n.
1. a student in a national service academy or private military school or on a training ship.
2. a student in training for service as a commissioned officer in the U.S. Army, Air Force, or Coast Guard. Cf. midshipman (def. 1).
3. a trainee in a business or profession.
4. a younger son or brother.
5. the youngest son.
6. (formerly) a gentleman, usually a younger son, who entered the army to prepare for a subsequent commission.
7. Also called cadet blue . a grayish to strong blue color.
8. Also called cadet gray . a bluish-gray to purplish-blue color.
9. Slang. a pimp.
[ 1600-10; capdet chief, captain (referring to the younger sons of noble families); cf. OPr capdel headman capitellum lit., small head; see CAPITAL 2 ]