A general officer is an officer of high rank in the army, and in some nations' air forces or marines. The term "general" is used in two ways: as the generic title for all grades of general officer and as a specific rank. It originates in the 16th century, as a shortening of captain general, which rank was taken from Middle French capitaine général.The adjective general had been affixed to officer designations since the late medieval period to indicate relative superiority or an extended jurisdiction.