1. The whole; the total; that which comprehends or relates to all, or
the chief part; -- opposed to particular.
In particulars our knowledge begins, and so spreads itself by
degrees to generals.
Locke.
2. (Mil.) One of the chief military officers of a government or
country; the commander of an army, of a body of men not less than a
brigade. In European armies, the highest military rank next below field
marshal.
In the United States the office of General of the Army has been created
by temporary laws, and has been held only by Generals U. S. Grant, W.
T. Sherman, and P. H. Sheridan. Popularly, the title General is given
to various general officers, as General, Lieutenant general, Major
general, Brigadier general, Commissary general, etc. See Brigadier
general, Lieutenant general, Major general, in the Vocabulary.
3. (Mil.) The roll of the drum which calls the troops together; as, to
beat the general.
4. (Eccl.) The chief of an order of monks, or of all the houses or
congregations under the same rule.