If majors outrank lieutenants why is it that lieutenant-generals outrank major-generals?

queproblema

Cut-and=paste: The word lieutenant derives from French; the lieu meaning "place" as in a position; and tenant meaning "holding" as in "holding a position"; thus a "lieutenant" is somebody who holds a position in the absence of his or her superior (compare the cognate Latin locum tenens)." Lieutenant may also appear as part of a title used in various other organizations with a codified command structure. It often designates someone who is "second-in-command," and as such, may precede the name of the rank directly above it. For example, a "Lieutenant Master" is likely to be second-in-command to the "Master" in an organization utilizing both such ranks. Notable uses include Lieutenant Governor in various governments, and Quebec lieutenant in Quebecois politics. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lieutenant I add: Another common such usage in the U.S. is "lieutenant governor," who is to governor as vice-president is to president. Oct 16 08, 4:18 PM

paper_aero

The rank major general was originally sargeant-major general and a sergeant-major is lower in rank than a lieutenant. I have several books where this answer exists but Wikipedia concurs. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sergeant_Major_General Oct 17 08, 5:42 AM