<P> A private is a soldier of the lowest military rank (equivalent to NATO Rank Grades ORظ - 1 to OR - 3 depending on the force served in). </P> <P> In modern military parlance, "private" is shortened to "Pte" in the United Kingdom and other Commonwealth countries and to "Pvt ." in the United States . </P> <P> The term derives from the medieval term "private soldiers" (a term still used in the British Army), denoting individuals who were either hired, conscripted, or mustered into service by a feudal nobleman commanding a battle group of an army . The usage of "private" dates from the 18th century . </P> <Dl> <Dd> For information, you may refer to Israel Defense Forces ranks . </Dd> </Dl>

Where did the rank of private come from