Date: Mon, 9 Jan 1995 14:23:56 EST

From: David Muschell dmuschel[AT SYMBOL GOES HERE]MAIL.GAC.PEACHNET.EDU

Subject: Re: that military rank



Actually, good speculation by Vicki Rosenzweig as to "lieutenant,"

originating in English in the 1300's as "one acting in the place of a

superior (officer)." The "lefteneant" has etymologists doing even more

theorizing. Was it a misinterpreted use of a "v" for the "u"? Probably

not says OED. Some association with the idea of "leave" (by your leave=

with your permission) of "lief" may have gotten mixed up with the variant

form.



David