yellow admiral

noun2

1. •
   A large butterfly, Vanessa itea, native to Australia and New Zealand, with yellow markings on the forewings.
2. •
   (historical) A post-captain promoted to the rank of rear admiral on the understanding that he will immediately retire without having actually served at that rank.

   • Happiness, in her estimation, consists […] of being appealed to by the yellow admirals and gouty generals, as a person of great sagacity in cases, whether of medicine, or cards, or anecdote […]. — 1792