Date: Mon, 9 Jan 1995 14:23:56 EST From: David Muschell Subject: Re: that military rank Actually, good speculation by Vicki Rosenzweig as to "lieutenant," originating in English in the 1300's as "one acting in the place of a superior (officer)." The "lefteneant" has etymologists doing even more theorizing. Was it a misinterpreted use of a "v" for the "u"? Probably not says OED. Some association with the idea of "leave" (by your leave= with your permission) of "lief" may have gotten mixed up with the variant form. David