In general

General Gen"er*al, n. [F. g['e]n['e]ral. See {General}., a.] [1913 Webster] 1. The whole; the total; that which comprehends or relates to all, or the chief part; -- opposed to particular. [1913 Webster]

In particulars our knowledge begins, and so spreads itself by degrees to generals. --Locke. [1913 Webster]

2. (Mil.) One of the chief military officers of a government or country; the commander of an army, of a body of men not less than a brigade. In European armies, the highest military rank next below field marshal. [1913 Webster]

Note: In the United States the office of General of the Army has been created by temporary laws, and has been held only by Generals U. S. Grant, W. T. Sherman, and P. H. Sheridan. Popularly, the title General is given to various general officers, as General, Lieutenant general, Major general, Brigadier general, Commissary general, etc. See {Brigadier general}, {Lieutenant general}, {Major general}, in the Vocabulary. [1913 Webster]

3. (Mil.) The roll of the drum which calls the troops together; as, to beat the general. [1913 Webster]

4. (Eccl.) The chief of an order of monks, or of all the houses or congregations under the same rule. [1913 Webster]

5. The public; the people; the vulgar. [Obs.] --Shak. [1913 Webster]

{In general}, in the main; for the most part. [1913 Webster]