Within a general context, the title designated the individual who was delegated all the powers of authority on behalf of the person who he was supposed to replace.
The charge function of the lieutenant-general became in the 17th century and specially in the 18th century, purely an honorific title: The individual bearing this title would reside in the Cour de France (French: Cour de France) and would contempt to earn income without actual real work.
In addition, the Kings had the tendency to nominate the sons which were heir to their fathers, a hereditary system which made the offices of the lieutenant-general strictly part of the patrimony of aristocratic families.
The title of Lieutenant-General of the Kingdom referred to a temporary function which the Kings, in circumstances of crises, invested all their power in them to exercise their will or part of their royal authority.
The ranks of Lieutenant-General of the Armies were renamed as Général de Division and Vice-Amiral (Vice-Admiral) in 1791.