half pay

half one's regular pay.

a reduced amount paid to a British army or navy officer when not in actual service or after retirement.

Origin of half pay

First recorded in 1655–65

Fancy liking to walk three miles, now, to dine with Jones and drink his half-pay port!

The Virginians |William Makepeace Thackeray
I shall be glad to give you the half-pay up to date, for doubtless it will reach his wife more safely through you.

A Retrospect |James Hudson Taylor
The President could do little with the axe or wheelbarrow himself; and half-pay could employ but few labourers at 3s.

Toronto of Old |Henry Scadding
This he had since commuted for half-pay, and, of course, had virtually parted with its privileges.

The Student's Life of Washington; Condensed from the Larger Work of Washington Irving |Washington Irving

This rendered it unnecessary for us to consult the army on the equivalent for half-pay.

History of the Origin, Formation, and Adoption of the Constitution of the United States, Vol. 1 |George Ticknor Curtis