MAJOR, in the art of war, the name of several officers ofverydifferent ranks and functions ; as, 1. Major-general, the next officer to the lieutenant-general : his chief business is to receive the orders from the general, or in his absence from the lieutenant-general of the day ; which he is to distribute to the brigade-majors, with whom he is to regulate the guards, convoys, and detachments. When there are two attacks at a siege, he commands that on the left. He ought to be well ac quainted with the strength of each brigade, of each regiment in particular, and to have a list of all the field officers. In short, he is in the army, what a major is in a regiment. He is allowed an aid-de camp, and has a serjeant and fifteen men for his guard. 2. Major of a brigade, the officer who receives the orders from the major-general, and afterwards delivers them to the adjutants of the regiments at the head of the brigade ; where he takes and marches the detachments, &c. to the general rendezvous. He ought to be an expert captain, to know the state and condition of the brigade, and keep a roll of the colonels, lieutenant-colonels, ma jors, and adjutants. 3. Major of a regi
ment, the next officer to the lieutenant colonel, generally promoted from the old est captain. He is to take care that the regiment be well exercised, to see it march in good order, and to rally it in case of its being broke. He is the only officer among the foot that is allowed to be on horseback in time of action, that lie may the more readily execute the colo nel's orders, either in advancing or draw ing off the regiment. 4. Major of a regi ment of horse, is the first captain, who commands in the absence of the colonel. 5. Town-major, the third officer in a gar rison, being next to the deputy-governor. He ought to understand fortification, and bath charge ofthe guards, rounds, patroles, &c. His business is also to take care that the soldiers' arms are in good order : he likewise orders the gates to be opened and shut, and gives the governor an ac count of all that passes within the place.
There are also drum-majors, &c. so called from their pre-eminence above others of the same denomination.