General

a military title. The commander of an army. In the United States a general outranks a brigadier-general, a lientenant-general, and a major-general. The rank was created by Congress in 1799 and conferred on George Washington as a mark of honor after his retirement from the presidency. After his death the office remained vacant until 1802, when it was abolished. At the close of the Civil War the rank was revived and conferred on Grant as a reward for his military services. On Grant's accession to the presidency the office passed to General Sherman. It lapsed with his retirement in 1883, but was revived in 1888 for Sheridan. With Sheridan's death the office became extinct. The highest officer in the United States army is known as the general commanding or chief of staff. See Army