cornet

noun

Etymology: From Middle French cornette, diminutive of corne, from Latin cornua (“horns”).

1. The white headdress worn by the Sisters of Charity.
2. The standard flown by a cavalry troop.
3. The fifth commissioned officer in a cavalry troop, who carried the colours (equivalent to the ensign in infantry).

   “No general would have sent a mere cornet in command of five hundred horse: Fairfax despatched a colonel to take charge as soon as he heard what had happened.”

   “This cornet [translating Cornet] was a brave young cavalier and not more than two years older than me.”