commanding officer

Army. a commander of any rank from second lieutenant to colonel.

Origin of commanding officer

First recorded in 1790–1800

Expressed a desire that the Commanding-officer should rectify the mistake, when all ended amicably.

Punch, or the London Charivari, Vol. 100, May 2, 1891 |Various
I visited the picquets at night, in company with my commanding-officer, where we found all well, and alert.

Twenty-Five Years in the Rifle Brigade |William Surtees
During the campaign he was a boon companion of every commanding-officer.

Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 7, Slice 2 |Various
Father Christmas one afternoon happened to inquire at the Commanding-officer what time it was.

Adventures in Toyland |Edith King Hall

A few words of explanation satisfied our commanding-officer, and the victorious machine rolled insultingly through the lines.

Tales from "Blackwood," Volume 2 |Various

commanding officer

an officer in command of a military unit