Admiral
,“His spear (to equal which the tallest pine
Hewn on Norwegian hills, to be the mast
Of some tall amiral, were but a wand)
He walked with.”—Paradise Lost, i. 292.
The word was introduced by the Turks or Genoese in the twelfth century, and is the Arabic Amir with the article al (lord or commander); as Amir-al-ma (commander of the water), Amir-al-Omra (commander of the forces), Amir-al-Mūminim (commander of the faithful).
Admiral of the Red, used to hold the centre in an engagement.
Admiral of the Blue, used to hold the rear.
Admirals are called Flag Officers.