Ca-dēt', n.
n. [Fr. cadet, the younger or youngest son or brother, O. Fr. capdet, L. Lat. cadetus, It. cadetto, N. Lat. as if capitettum, diminutive of caput, head, top, extremity, beginning or end.]
Sense 1. The younger of two brothers; the youngest son. [Obs.] “The cadet of an ancient and noble family.” Wood.
Sense 2. (Mil.) (a.) A gentleman who carries arms in a regiment, as a private man, with a view to acquire military skill, and obtain a commission. His service is voluntary, but he receives pay, and thus is distinguished from a volunteer. [Eng.] (b.) A young man in a military school; as, a cadet at West Point.