Where did the phrase rank and file come from?
rank and file (n.) 1590s, in reference to the horizontal and vertical lines of soldiers marching in formation, from rank (n.) in the military sense of “number of soldiers drawn up in a line abreast” (1570s) + file (n. 1).
Why are police called rank and file?
A military term relating to the horizontal “ranks” (rows) and vertical “files” (columns) of individual foot-soldiers, exclusive of the officers. A term derived from the above used to refer to enlisted rank troops, as opposed to the officers.
What does the saying rank and file mean?
Definition of rank and file 1 : the enlisted personnel of an armed force. 2 : the individuals who constitute the body of an organization, society, or nation as distinguished from the leaders. Other Words from rank and file Synonyms & Antonyms Example Sentences Learn More About rank and file.
Is rank and file derogatory?
Rank and file described the vertical and horizontal lines of soldiers in formation. In the nineteenth century, the term was used to describe ordinary members of trade unions. Today, rank and file may be used to describe the ordinary people in any organization who are not leaders or officers.
Is supervisor a rank and file employee?
Summary. Rank-and-file employees are those who are not managerial employees nor supervisory employees.
Why did the British use rank and file during battles?
During the Napoleonic Wars, the British Army famously adopted a thin two-rank line formation. This was adopted to compensate for their lack of numbers and to maximize their fire frontage.
What is a wee bit?
Definition of a wee bit : by a very small amount or to a very small degree I’m a wee bit confused.
Can supervisory employees join the union of rank and file employees?
Supervisory employees shall not be eligible for membership in a rank-and-file employee labor union but may form their separate labor unions. Managerial employees shall not be eligible to form, join or assist any labor union for purposes of collective bargaining.
Are there lieutenants in the British army?
Lieutenant (UK: /lɛfˈtɛnənt/; Lt) is a junior officer rank in the British Army and Royal Marines. It ranks above second lieutenant and below captain and has a NATO ranking code of OF-1 and it is the senior subaltern rank. The rank is equivalent to that of a flying officer in the Royal Air Force (RAF).
Why do Scots say how instead of why?
Using ‘how’ instead of ‘why’ when asking a question Perhaps it comes from the old adage that says ‘Don’t ask why, demand how’, or is just short for ‘how come’.
What does “rank and file” mean?
The rank and file are the ordinary members of an organization or the ordinary workers in a company, as opposed to its leaders or managers.
What does rank and file employee mean?
Definition: Rank And File. Rank And File are the employees in organization who are not in any leadership or managerial positions. Rank and file employees form the majority of the workforce in the organization as opposed to the leaders i.e. the department heads, general managers, presidents’ etc.
What does Rankin File mean?
The Rankin File: Legacy of a Radical is a documentary about a documentary that was never made.