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luogotenente

lieutenant

noun lwoh-goh-teh-NEN-teh Rare
People & Society Military

Origin: From French lieutenant, itself from Latin locum tenens (holding the place).

Also means

deputy

Usage Note

Luogotenente is a compound of luogo (place) and tenente (holding), meaning one who holds another's place. In military contexts it denotes a specific rank; in general use it means a deputy or stand-in. The plural is luogotenenti.

Examples

"Il luogotenente guidò la pattuglia in assenza del capitano."

Natural Translation

The lieutenant led the patrol in the captain's absence.

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