Major
Defined in 2 dictionaries — Abbott (1879), Bouvier (1839)
Dictionary of Terms and Phrases Used in American or English Jurisprudence
Benjamin Vaughan Abbott · 1879
1. The title of an officer in the army ranking next above a captain. 2. One who has attained the age of full civil rights and responsibilities; the opposite of minor or infant. 3. An old law Latin form of the civic title mayor.
A Law Dictionary, Adapted to the Constitution and Laws of the United States
John Bouvier · 1839
in military language. The lowest of the staff officers; a degree higher than captain.