brevet

Meanings

1. A military document entitling a commissioned officer to hold a higher rank temporarily, but without an increase in pay.
2. A warrant from the government, granting a privilege, title, or dignity, as in France.
3. An authoritative grant or mark of recognition; a seal of approval.
4. 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.

1. To promote by brevet.

Etymology

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