An order for acting in a certain capacity; (Navy) a temporary appointment to a vacant position which may or may not be confirmed by a higher authority at a later date.
Origin
Late 18th century; earliest use found in Log.
Definition of acting order in US English:
acting order
noun
historical
An order for acting in a certain capacity; (Navy) a temporary appointment to a vacant position which may or may not be confirmed by a higher authority at a later date.