yellow admiral

English

Noun

yellow admiral (plural yellow admirals)

1. (now historical) A post-captain promoted to the rank of rear admiral on the understanding that he will immediately retire without having actually served at that rank. [from 18th c.]
   • 1792, Charlotte Smith, Desmond, Broadview, published 2001, page 328:

     Happiness, in her estimation, consists […] of being appealed to by the yellow admirals and gouty generals, as a person of great sagacity in cases, whether of medicine, or cards, or anecdote […] .

2. A large butterfly, Vanessa itea, native to Australia and New Zealand, with yellow markings on the forewings. [from 19th c.]