Warrant officers
Defined in 2 dictionaries — Ballentine's (1916), Black's (1910)
Ballentine's Law Dictionary
James A. Ballentine · 1916
Certain noncom-' missioned U. S. naval officers holding rank under a written warrant. Warrant to sue and defend. A warrant from the crown specially authorizing one to appoint an attorney to sue and defend in his behalf.
Black's Law Dictionary
Henry Campbell Black, M.A. · 1910
In the United States navy, these are a class of inferior officers who hold their rank by virtue of a written warrant instead of a commission, including boatswains, gunners, carpenters, etc.
Defined under Warrant in Black's Law Dictionary.