rear admiral

U.S. Navy, Coast Guard. a commissioned officer next in rank below a vice-admiral.

Origin of rear admiral

First recorded in 1580–90

Two ships were therefore fitted out, and placed under the command of Rear-Admiral d'Entrecasteaux.

Ocean's Story; or Triumphs of Thirty Centuries |Edward Rowland
It is hardly the work for a gentleman born, and the grandson of a rear-admiral.

Mary Anerley |R. D. Blackmore
"I want one of the young gentlemen, sentry," said the rear-admiral.

The Two Admirals |J. Fenimore Cooper
D' y' mean to hint at conspiracy between a rear-admiral of the United States Navy and an enlisted man—a yeoman?

Wide Courses |James Brendan Connolly

He was made a Rear-Admiral, with a pension of $6,000 under retirement.

My Attainment of the Pole |Frederick A. Cook

rear admiral

an officer holding flag rank in any of certain navies, junior to a vice admiral