E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Admiral,
corruption of Amir-al. Milton, speaking of Satan, says:—
1
“His spear (to equal which the tallest pine
Hewn on Norwegian hills, to be the mast
Of some tall amiral, were but a wand)
He walked with.”—Paradise Lost, i. 292.
The word was introduced by the Turks or Genoese in the twelfth century, and is the Arabic Amir with the article al (lord or commander); as Amir-al-ma (commander of the water), Amir-al-Omra (commander of the forces), Amir-al-Mminim (commander of the faithful).
2
English admirals used to be of three classes, according to the colour of their flag—
3
Admiral of the Red, used to hold the centre in an engagement.
4
Admiral of the White, used to hold the van.
5
Admiral of the Blue, used to hold the rear.
6
The distinction was abolished in 1864; now all admirals carry the white flag.
minim (commander of the faithful).
