General-in-chief

General-in-chief has been a military rank or title in various armed forces around the world.

France

In France, general-in-chief (général en chef) was first an informal title for the lieutenant-general commanding over others lieutenant-generals, or even for some marshals in charge of an army. During the Revolution, it became a title given to officers of général de division(called a Major-General in the UK and the USA) rank commanding an army. The généraux en chef wore four stars on their shoulders boards opposed to the three of a mere général de division(Major-General). The title of général en chef was abolished in 1812, re-established during the Restoration and ultimately abolished in 1848.

Russia

In Russia, general-in-chief (Russian: генера́л-анше́ф, probably originating from the French général en chef), was a full general rank in the Russian Imperial army, the second highest rank,(after the rank of Marshal) in Russian military ranks (the 2nd grade of Table of Ranks). It was created in 1698 by Peter the Great. In 1798, the rank was divided into three equivalent ranks of general of the infantry, general of the cavalry and general of the artillery{later, the rank of Colonel General was created [ above a full General. and below a Marshal.]