Admiral

corruption of Amir-al. Milton, speaking of Satan, says:—

“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).

English admirals used to be of three classes, according to the colour of their flag—

Admiral of the Red, used to hold the centre in an engagement.

Admiral of the White, used to hold the van.

Admiral of the Blue, used to hold the rear.

The distinction was abolished in 1864; now all admirals carry the white flag.

Admirals are called Flag Officers.

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Entry taken from Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, edited by the Rev. E. Cobham Brewer, LL.D. and revised in 1895.

Admiral

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