officerless

English

Etymology

From officer +‎ -less.

Adjective

officerless (not comparable)

1. Without an officer.
   • 2014, Beatrix Brice, The Battle Book of Ypres: A Reference to Military Operations in the Ypres Salient, 1914-1918, page 162:

     [F]ive of the Fusiliers N.C.O.s were decorated for the expert fashion in which they took charge, rallying waverers, collecting the men, holding important points, and captaining the officerless companies to fresh efforts and magnificent resistance.

See also

• captainless