brevet
    n 1: a document entitling a commissioned officer to hold a
         higher rank temporarily (but without higher pay)
    v 1: promote somebody by brevet, in the military

Brevet \Bre*vet"\ (br[-e]*v[e^]t"; 277), n. [F. brevet, LL.
   brevetum, fr. L. brevis short. See Brief.]
   1. A warrant from the government, granting a privilege,
      title, or dignity. [French usage].
      [1913 Webster]

   2. (Mil.) A commission giving an officer higher rank than
      that for which he receives pay; an honorary promotion of
      an officer.
      [1913 Webster]

   Note: In the United States army, rank by brevet is conferred,
         by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, for
         "gallant actions or meritorious services." A brevet
         rank gives no right of command in the particular corps
         to which the officer brevetted belongs, and can be
         exercised only by special assignment of the President,
         or on court martial, and detachments composed of
         different corps, with pay of the brevet rank when on
         such duty.
         [1913 Webster]

Brevet \Bre*vet"\ (br[-e]*v[e^]t"), v. t. [imp. & p. p.
   Brevetted; p. pr. & vb. n. Brevetting.] (Mil.)
   To confer rank upon by brevet.
   [1913 Webster]

Brevet \Bre*vet"\, a. (Mil.)
   Taking or conferring rank by brevet; as, a brevet colonel; a
   brevet commission.
   [1913 Webster]

BREVET. In France, a brevet is a warrant granted by the government to 
authorize an individual to do something for his own benefit, as a brevet 
d'invention, is a patent to secure a man a right as inventor. 
     2. In our army, it signifies a commission conferring on an officer a 
degree of rank immediately above the one which he holds in his particular 
regiment, without, however conveying a right to receive a corresponding pay.