SUBALTERN, adjective [Latin] Inferior; subordinate; that in different respects is both superior and inferior; as a subaltern officer. It is used chiefly of military officers. SUBALTERN, noun A subordinate officer in an army or military body. It is applied to officers below the rank of captain.
Source: Webster's 1828 American Dictionary ↗ · public-domain · returned verbatim, no AI