commander

noun

1. 1

   One who exercises control and direction of a military or naval organization.

2. 2

   A naval officer whose rank is above that of a lieutenant commander and below that of captain.

3. 3

   One who exercises control and direction over a group of persons.

4. 4

   A designation or rank in certain non-military organizations such as NASA and various police forces.

5. 5

   The chief officer of a commandry.

6. 6

   A heavy beetle or wooden mallet, used in paving, in sail lofts, etc.

7. 7

   A rank within an honorary order: e.g. Commander of the Legion of Honour.

8. 8

   Any of various nymphalid butterflies of the Asian genus Moduza.