noun
generalissimo
jen-ruh-LIS-ih-moh/ˌdʒenrəˈlɪsɪməʊ/
A commander holding supreme military authority.
The generalissimo directs subordinate officers around the map.
Etymology
Generale names a commander whose authority extends broadly over an army. The superlative ending raises that idea of general command to its highest degree, producing a title for a supreme military commander.
In context
Luigi Cadorna would rule his army as a dictator, was called the Generalissimo, and would remove men from command for the slightest pretext.
More examples
- The decree granted the leader the title of generalissimo.
- A portrait of the generalissimo hung in the headquarters.
- The historian examined the powers claimed by the generalissimo.
Forms
generalissimo · generalissimos
Similar words
- commander in chief
- Commander in chief names supreme command; generalissimo is a particular military title expressing that authority.