Subaltern \Sub*al"tern\, a. [F. subalterne, LL. subalternus, fr. L. sub under + alter the one, the other of two. See Alter.]

1. Ranked or ranged below; subordinate; inferior; specifically (Mil.), ranking as a junior officer; being below the rank of captain; as, a subaltern officer.

2. (Logic) Asserting only a part of what is asserted in a related proposition.

Subaltern genus. (Logic) See under Genus.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
 

Subaltern \Sub*al"tern\, n.

1. A person holding a subordinate position; specifically, a commissioned military officer below the rank of captain.

2. (Logic) A subaltern proposition. --Whately.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)