[f. SUB- 6 + OFFICER. Cf. F. sous-officier.] A subordinate officer.

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a. 1618.  Sylvester, Maiden’s Blush, 1353. Let him have pow’r … underneath him to subordinate Sub-Officers.

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1822.  Syd. Smith, Wks. (1859), I. 358/2. The governor and sub-officers of the prison.

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1837.  Carlyle, Fr. Rev., II. I. ii. Sub-officers, soldiers, and sailors in mutiny.

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1845.  G. P. R. James, Smuggler, xxx. A sub-officer of the Customs.

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1913.  Daily Graphic, 24 March, 6/1. A sub-officer of the Fire Brigade.

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