Quartermaster
in military affairs, an officer who superintends the issue of stores, food, and clothing, and arregiment ranges transportation for a r when necessary. In nautical affairs, a petty officer, who, besides having charge of the stowage of ballast and provisions, coiling of ropes, etc., attends to the steering of the ship. He is appointed by the captain. QUARTERMASTER-GENERAL, in the United States a staff-officer with rank of Brigadier- General. He is chief officer in the quartermaster's department.
In England a staff-officer, specially appointed for duties connected with quartering, encamping, embarking, and moving troops. In both armies in the field he is responsible for the surveys and reconnaissance necessary for the conduct of the army, and has the general direction of the railways, postal, signaling, and telegraph services .