Drum-Major, is not only the first drummer in the regiment, but has the same authority over his drummers as the corporal has over his squad. He instructs them in their different beats; is daily at orders with the serjeants, to know the number of drummers for duty. He marches at their head when they beat in a body. In the day of battle, or at exercise, he must be very attentive to the orders given him, that he may regulate his beats according to the movements ordered.
Fife-Major, is he that plays the best on that instrument, and has the same authority over the fifers as the drum-major has over the drummers. He teaches them their duty, and appoints them for guards, &c.
Major-General. See [General].
MAJOR, Fr. The French considered this term, in a military sense, under the following heads:—
Major-Général d’une Armée, Fr. [Major-general] generally so called, which see.
Major-Général de l’Infanterie Francoise, Fr. Major-general of the French infantry. This appointment was made under Francis the 1st in 1515.
Major-Général des Dragons, Fr. a major-general of dragoons. His functions were similar to those exercised by the Maréchal-géneral des logis de la Cavalerie; and nearly the same as those of the major-general of infantry.
Major de Brigade, Fr. Brigade-major.
Major d’un Régiment de Cavalerie, Fr. Major in a regiment of cavalry.
Major d’un Régiment d’Infanterie, Fr. Major of a regiment of infantry. Under the old government of France all majors of infantry regiments, were styled sergent-majors, or serjeant-majors in their commissions. They were not permitted to have any company of their own: because it was reasonably judged, that their own interest might render them more partial to that company, and the service be thereby injured.