Political uses include lieutenant governor in various governments, such as the viceregal representatives of the Crown in Canadian provinces.
The word lieutenant derives from French; the lieu meaning "place" as in a position (cf.
In the 19th century, British writers who considered this word either an imposition on the English language, or difficult for common soldiers and sailors, argued for it to be replaced by the calque "steadholder".
In Royal Naval (RN) tradition—and other English-speaking navies outside the United States—a reduced pronunciation /ləˈtɛnənt/ ⓘ is used.
The Israel Defense Forces rank segen (סגן) literally translates as "deputy", which is equivalent to a lieutenant.
This historical remnant caused increasing confusion in multi-national operations and was abolished.
This pattern was copied by the United States Navy and various Air Forces for their equivalent ranks grades, except that the loop is removed (see flight lieutenant).
The USN settled on "lieutenant commander" in 1862, and made it a distinct rank; the Royal Navy followed suit in March 1914.
In the U.S. Navy or U.S. Coast Guard the billet of first lieutenant describes the officer in charge of the deck department or division, depending upon the size of the ship.
In smaller ships with only a single deck division, the billet is typically filled by an ensign while in larger ships with a deck department, consisting of multiple subordinate divisions, the billet may be filled by a lieutenant commander.
On submarines and smaller Coast Guard cutters the billet of first lieutenant may be filled by a petty officer.
Additionally, the Confederate States Army also used "third lieutenant", typically as the lowest ranking commissioned officer in an infantry company.
Notably, the United States Revenue Cutter Service used a simple officer rank structure with Captain, First, Second and Third Lieutenants, each of whom had distinct insignia.
The title of Third Lieutenant, essentially equal to the rank of ensign, existed until 1915 when the Service became the nucleus of the new United States Coast Guard.
[95] In the Royal Navy, the commissioned rank of mate was created in 1840, and was renamed sub-lieutenant in 1860.
In the 17th century, the term "lieutenant" corresponded to "deputy" (i.e. a person appointed to carry out a task).
[96] The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary (founded 1871) had the rank of lieutenant between staff sergeant and inspector until 1997.
The usual role of a lieutenant is to carry out administrative duties and assist precinct commanders (normally a captain, or sometimes the local police chiefs).
Lieutenants either command a watch (8-hour "shift") of regular officers or a special unit for operations or investigations (like a Robbery-Homicide squad).
In French history, "lieutenant du roi" was a title borne by the officer sent with military powers to represent the king in certain provinces.
The British monarch's representatives in the counties of the United Kingdom are called Lords Lieutenant.