brevet

/bɹəˈvɛt/

Etymology

Inherited from the Middle English brevet (“official letter”), from the Anglo-Norman diminutive of bref (“letter”), from the Latin brevis (“short”), whence brief.

Why this word is great

BREVET — [Noun] A military document granting an officer temporary higher rank without increased pay, or a government warrant conferring a privilege or title. From Middle English brevet, via Anglo-Norman (a diminutive of bref, "letter"), tracing back to Latin brevis ("short"), the same root that gives us "brief." Unlike a "commission" (which bestows permanent rank with full authority and pay) or a "patent" (which grants exclusive rights), a brevet is a hollow honor—a title without substance, a gesture without weight. It is the gold braid on a threadbare uniform, the ceremonial sword too dull to cut, the empty chair at the banquet table reserved for a guest who will never arrive. The brevet is the bureaucracy’s way of saying you matter, just not enough to pay.

noun

A military document entitling a commissioned officer to hold a higher rank temporarily, but without an increase in pay.
A warrant from the government, granting a privilege, title, or dignity, as in France.
A warrant from the government, granting a privilege, title, or dignity, as in France.; An authoritative grant or mark of recognition; a seal of approval.“Delightful inducements to embark, fine chance for promotion, it seems—aye, a stove boat will make me an immortal by brevet.”
An organized, long-distance bicycle ride — not a race, but a test of endurance — which follows a designated but unmarked route passing through check points.

verb

To promote by brevet.