generalissimo

[ jen-er-uh-lis-uh-moh ]

/ ˌdʒɛn ər əˈlɪs əˌmoʊ /

the supreme commander of the armed forces.

Origin of generalissimo

1615–25; < Italian, superlative of generale general

In 1931 he was arrested and sentenced to eight years by the then-Nationalist government under Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek.

The Eerie Echoes Between the Trials of Bo Xilai and His Father |Wenguang Huang, Pin Ho |August 27, 2013 |DAILY BEAST
First guy says to the other, “What do you think of Generalissimo Franco?”

Conservatives, Fired Up |Christopher Buckley |February 21, 2010 |DAILY BEAST
The day before, Generalissimo Francisco Franco, the longtime dictator of Spain, had finally died after an interminable illness.

My Address—and Apology—to Yale |Christopher Buckley |May 24, 2009 |DAILY BEAST
It is still believed that Gen. Lee is to be generalissimo, and most people rejoice at it.

A Rebel War Clerk's Diary at the Confederate States Capital |John Beauchamp Jones

He was also generalissimo, and commanded the warriors when called out upon service; but by all accounts this is very seldom.

A General History and Collection of Voyages and Travels, Vol. 15 (of 18) |Robert Kerr
His life was spared, and he was made general superintendent of army stores as well as generalissimo of five army corps.

Myths and Legends of China |E. T. C. Werner
Philopœmen, then seventy years of age, and generalissimo of the Achaians for the eighth time, lay sick.

Ruins of Ancient Cities (Vol. II of II) |Charles Bucke
Sixtus was supported by the Dukes of Calabria and Urbino, the latter acting as generalissimo.

Memoirs of the Dukes of Urbino, Volume I (of 3) |James Dennistoun

generalissimo

/ (ˌdʒɛnərəˈlɪsɪˌməʊ, ˌdʒɛnrə-) /

a supreme commander of combined military, naval, and air forces, esp one who wields political as well as military power

C17: from Italian, superlative of generale general