Partheniæ.A word derived from the Greek, signifying children born of unmarried women. The name was applied to a particular class of citizens in Sparta after the Messenian war, whose origin was ascribed to the following circumstances: The Spartans having been at war with the Messenians for twenty years, and having by that means very much depopulated their country, and apprehending that if the war continued it might eventually strip Sparta of all its male inhabitants, they sent some of their young men from the army into the city, with license to be familiar with as many unmarried women as they would; and the children begotten by them in this manner were calledpartheniæ, on account of the uncertainty as to who were their fathers. At the end of the war, this brood were deemed bastards, and were denied the bearing of any office in the government, etc. This unjust exclusion enraged them so much that they conspired with the slaves to destroy all the nobility; but, on the discovery of their plot, they were driven out of the city; after which, being headed by Phalantus, a bold and enterprising son of chance, they traveled into Magna Grecia in Italy, and built Tarentum.
Parthenopean Republic.Was the name given to the state into which the kingdom of Naples was transformed by the French republicans, January 23, 1799, and which only lasted till the following June, when the invading army was forced to retreat.
Parthia.Anciently a country of Western Asia, lying at the southeast end of the Caspian Sea, from which it was separated by a narrow strip, known as Hyrcania, now forms the northern portion of Khorassan, and is an almost wholly mountainous region. The original inhabitants are believed to have been of Scythian race, as shown by their language as well as by their manners, and to belong to the great Indo-Germanic family. The Parthians, during the time of the Roman republic, were distinguished by primitive simplicity of life and extreme bravery, though, at the same time, much given to bacchanalian and voluptuous pleasures. They neglected agriculture and commerce, devoting their whole time to predatory expeditions and warfare. They fought on horseback, and after a peculiar fashion. Being armed solely with bows and arrows, they were rendered defenseless after the first discharge, and, to gain time for adjusting a second arrow to the bow, turned their horses, and retired, as if in full flight; but an enemy incautiously pursuing was immediately assailed by a second flight of arrows; a second pretended flight followed, and the conflict was thus carried on till the Parthians gained the victory, or exhausted their quivers. They generally discharged their arrows backwards, holding the bow behind the shoulder; a mode of attack more dangerous to a pursuing enemy than to one in order of battle. The Parthians first appeared in history as subject to the great Persian empire. After the death of Alexander the Great, Parthia formed part of the Syrian kingdom, but revolted under Antiochus II., and constituted itself into an independent kingdom under theArsacidæ, 250B.C., a race of kings who exercised the most completely despotic authority ever known. The Parthian dominion rapidly became a most powerful and flourishing empire. In spite of repeated attacks on the part of the Romans, the Parthians maintained their independence; and though Trajan, in 115-116, seized certain portions of the country, the Romans were soon compelled to abandon them. In 214, during the reign of Artabanus IV., the last of the Arsacidæ, a revolt headed by Ardshir, son of Babegan, broke out in Persia, and the Parthian monarch, beaten in three engagements, lost his throne and life, while the victor substituted the Persian dynasty of the Sassanidæ for that of the Arsacidæ. Some scions of the Parthian royal family continued for several centuries to rule over the mountainous district of Armenia, under the protection of the Romans, and made frequent descents upon Assyria and Babylonia.
Partiality.An unequal state of judgment or leaning in favor of one of two parties. Every member of a court-martial is sworn to do justice, without partiality, favor, or affection. A previous opinion expressed by a member, before the court is sworn, is deemed a good and sufficient cause of challenge by either the prisoner or prosecutor, and the individual cannot sit on the trial and judgment of the case.
Partisan.The name given to small corps detached from the main body of an army, and acting independently against the enemy. In partisan warfare much liberty is allowed to partisans. Continually annoying the flanks and rear of columns, they intercept convoys, cut off communications, attack detachments, and endeavor to spread terror everywhere. This kind of warfare is advantageously pursued only in mountainous or thickly-wooded districts. In an open country, cavalry very readily destroys partisans. The Spanish race make active partisans. The party is calledguerrilla, the partisan aguerrillero.
Partisan.A term formerly applied to a pike or halbert.
Partition Lines.In heraldry, lines dividing the shield in directions corresponding to the ordinaries. According to the direction of the partition lines, a shield issaid to be party or parted per fess, per pale, per bend, per chevron, per saltire; a shield divided by lines in the direction of a cross is said to be quartered; and a shield parted at once per cross and per saltire is said to be gironné of eight. The partition lines are not always plain; they may be engrailed, invected, embattled, wavy, nebuly, indented, dancetté, or raguly.
Partridges.In artillery, were very large bombards, formerly in use at sieges and in defensive works.
Parts, Bridges By.SeePontons.
Party.A small detachment of men, horse or foot, sent upon any kind of duty; as, into an enemy’s country, to pillage, to take prisoners, and oblige the country to come under contribution.
Party.In heraldry, parted or divided;—used with reference to any division of a field or charge.
Party, Firing.Are those who are selected to fire over the grave of any one interred with military honors.
Party, Recruiting.Is a certain number of men, under an officer or non-commissioned officer, detached from their respective regiments for the purpose of enlisting men.
Party, Working.SeeWorking Party.
Pas de Sours(Fr.). Steps leading from the bottom to the top of a ditch in permanent fortification.
Pasha, orBashaw(from the Persianpadishah, “powerful ruler”). A title applied in the Ottoman empire to governors of provinces, or military and naval commanders of high rank. The distinctive badge of a pasha is a horse-tail, waving from the end of a staff crowned with a gilt ball; in war, this badge is always carried before him when he goes abroad, and is at other times planted in front of his tent. There are three grades of pashas, which are distinguished by the number of horse-tails on their standards; those of the highest rank are pashas of three tails, and include, in general, the highest functionaries, civil and military. All pashas of this class have the title of vizier. The pashas of two tails are the governors of provinces, who are generally called by the simple title “pasha.” The pashas of one tail, the lowest rank of pashas, are provincial governors. SeeHorse-tail.
Pass.A straight, difficult, and narrow passage, which, well defended, shuts up the entrance to a country.
Pass.A certificate of leave of absence given to a soldier for a short period.
Pass of Arms.In ancient chivalry, a bridge, road, etc., which the knights undertook to defend, and which was not to be passed without fighting the person who kept it. He who was disposed to dispute the pass touched one of the armories of the other knight who held the pass, that were hung on pales, columns, etc., erected for the purpose; and this was a challenge which the other was obliged to accept. The vanquished gave the conqueror such prize as was agreed on.
Pass, To.Is to march in review by open order of columns, for the purpose of saluting.
Passable.Capable of being passed, traveled, traversed, or the like; as, the roads are not passable for troops.
Passade, orPassado. In fencing, a push or thrust; also, a sudden movement to the front.
Passage.A pass or encounter; as, a passage at arms.
Passage of Ditches.In siege operations the passage of a dry ditch consists in thedescent(which is by a blindage, if the ditch is not too deep, or a blindage and gallery for deep ditches) and a full sap, which leads from the outlet of thedescentto the bottom of the breach. The passage of a wet ditch is more difficult, and specially perilous if the besieged can produce sudden freshets by flood-gates or other contrivance. The method usually followed is to build a dike or bridge of fascines and hurdles across the ditch. The abutment for this bridge is formed by excavating a grand gallery behind the counterscarp and throwing the earth taken from it into the ditch through the outlet of thedescent. The dike is carried forward from this abutment by sappers, who work on a raft carrying a musket-proof mask on the side of the enemy. A gabionade parapet on the exposed side of the dike serves to protect the men in bringing forward the fascines, hurdles, etc., to extend the dike.
Passage of Rivers.The passage is effected by surprise or by main force, and detachments are thrown by one means or the other upon the enemy’s bank of the river before proceeding to the construction of bridges. The passage by force ought always to be favored by diversions upon other points. Infantry cross bridges without keeping step. Cavalry dismount in crossing, leading their horses. Wagons heavily loaded pass at a gallop.
Passages.Are openings cut in the parapet of the covered way, close to the traverses, in order to continue the communication through all parts of the covered way. SeeTraverses.
Passandeau(Fr.). An ancient 8-pounder gun, which was 15 feet long, and weighed about 3500 pounds.
Passant.A heraldic term, used to express the attitude of an animal in a walking position, with his head straight before him.
Passarowitz.A well-built town of European Turkey, in the province of Servia, 5 miles south of the Danube, and 15 miles east of Semendria. The town is chiefly noteworthy for the treaty which was signed here by Prince Eugène and the grand viziers, July 21, 1718. By this treaty, which put an end to the war undertaken by the Turks against Venice in 1714 for the conquest of the Morea, a truce of twenty-five years wasestablished, and the Banat of Temesvars, the western portion of Wallachia and Servia, the town and territory of Belgrade, and a part of Bosnia, were secured to the house of Austria.
Passau.A picturesque, fortified, frontier town of Bavaria, at the confluence of the Inn and the Ilz with the Danube, 90 miles east-northeast from Munich. Fort Oberhaus, on the left bank of the Danube, stands on steep wooded cliffs, at an elevation of upwards of 400 feet, and commands the passage of both the Inn and Danube, besides which the town is further defended by the castle of Niederhause, and by ten detached forts. The treaty whereby religious freedom was established, was ratified here between the emperor Charles V. and the Protestant princes of Germany, July 31, 1552.
Pass-box.SeeImplements.
Passegardes.In ancient armor, were ridges on the shoulder-pieces to turn the blow of a lance.
Passe-Mur.An ancient 16-pounder gun, 18 feet long, weighing 4200 pounds.
Passes-Balles(Fr.). Boards or machines made of iron or brass, used in disparting cannon, and fitted to every species of caliber.
Passion Cross.A cross of the form on which our Saviour suffered, with a long stem and a short traverse near the top. It is of occasional occurrence as a heraldic charge, though less frequent than many other varieties of cross. A passion cross, when elevated on three steps or degrees (which have been said by heralds to represent the virtues of Faith, Hope, and Charity), is called a Cross Calvary.
Passive Operations.Are operations the object of which is solely to repel an attack of the enemy and thus prevent his advance.
Pass-parole.An order passed from front to rear of an army by word of mouth.
Passport.A document given by the competent officer of a state, which permits the person therein named to pass or travel from place to place by land or water. Also a license granted in time of war for the removal of persons and effects from a hostile country; a safe-conduct.
Pataremo.A sort of small swivel artillery, having a movable chamber.
Patavium(nowPadova, orPadua). An ancient town of the Veneti in the north of Italy, on the Medoacus Minor, and on the road from Mutina to Altinum. In 302B.C.it was powerful enough to drive back the Spartan king Cleomenes with great loss when he attempted to plunder the surrounding country. It was plundered by Attila; and in consequence of a revolt of its citizens, it was subsequently destroyed by Agilolf, king of the Longobards, and razed to the ground.
Patay.A town of France, department of Loiret, 14 miles northwest of Orleans, where John of Arc, the Maid of Orleans, was present, when the Earl of Richemont signally defeated the English, June 18, 1429. Talbot was taken prisoner, and the valiant Fastolfe was forced to fly. In consequence, Charles VII. of France entered Rheims in triumph, and was crowned July 17, following year, Joan of Arc assisting in the ceremony in full armor, and holding the sword of state.
Patched-up Peace, The.In French history, the name given to a treaty of peace between the Duke of Orleans and John of Burgundy, in 1409.
Paté(Fr.). In fortification, a sort of horseshoe, that is, a platform or terre-plein, irregularly built, yet generally constructed in an oval form. It is surrounded by a parapet, without anything to flank it, and having no other defense than what is front or fore right.Patésare usually erected in marshy grounds to cover the gate of a fortified town or place. Also an iron or earthen pot filled with powder and grenades for throwing against besiegers; some were used at Lille in 1708.
Patereros.Were small pieces of ordnance, now obsolete, worked on swivels; most commonly used on board of ships, where they were mounted on the gunwale, and discharged showers of old nails, etc., into hostile boats. The French called them Pierriers, from loading them with stones.
Patience.The power or faculty of suffering; endurance; the power of expecting long, without rage or discontent; the power of supporting faults or injuries, without revenge; long suffering. In military life, patience is an essential requisite. Without patience half the toils of war would be insupportable; with patience there are scarcely any hardships but what coolness, courage, and ability may overcome. It is one of the greatest virtues, indeed, in an officer or soldier patiently to support, not only the rigor of discipline, but the keen and vexatious circumstances of disappointment.
Patna, orPattana. A town of British India, capital of a district of the same name, in the presidency of Bengal, on the right bank of the Ganges, 10 miles east of Dinapore, and 377 miles northwest of Calcutta. Factories were established here at an early period by the British. In 1763 disputes began to arise between Meer Cossim, the nawaub of Bengal and Behar, and the servants of the East India Company, about the transit dues levied on native traders, from which the English claimed exemption. The nawaub for some time refused to accede to these demands; but finally he abolished all the imposts, both on British and native goods, a step which was not desired by the Company, and which must have greatly diminished his revenues. In revenge for this injury, he proceeded in various ways to annoy the British; and at length went so far as to seize some of their boats on the Ganges. On this Mr. Ellis, the chief of the factory at Patna, made an attack on the city and took possession of it, although Meer Cossim soon afterwards recovered it, andforced the British to take refuge in the factory. For four months hostilities continued between the two parties, in the course of which the nawaub was several times defeated, until he became so exasperated at the loss of the city of Monghyr, that he ordered the murder in cold blood of 200 prisoners. On November 6, in the same year, Patna was taken by the British; and in May, 1764, Meer Cossim’s troops were totally defeated under the walls. Since that time the place has remained undisturbed in the hands of the British.
Patomemeter.An instrument for measuring the force of currents.
Patonce, Cross.In heraldry (Lat.patens, “expanding”), a cross with its terminations expanding like early vegetation or an opening blossom.
Patoo-patoo.A formidable weapon with sharp edges, used by the Polynesian Islanders and New Zealanders as a sort of battle-axe to cleave the skulls of their enemies.
Patræ(nowPatras). One of the twelve cities of Achaia, was situated west of Rhium, near the opening of the Corinthian Gulf. The town was chiefly of importance as the place from which the Peloponnesians directed their attacks against the opposite coast of Ætolia. Patræ was one of the four towns which took the leading part in founding the second Achæan League. Patræ assisted the Ætolians against the Gauls in 279B.C.
Patriarchal Cross.A cross which, like the patriarchal crosier, has its upright part crossed by two horizontal bars, the upper shorter than the lower. A cross patriarchal fimbriated or was a badge of the Knights Templar.
Patrick, St., Order of.A national order of knighthood for Ireland, established by George III. on February 5, 1783, and enlarged in 1833. As originally constituted, it consisted of the sovereign, the grand master (who was always the lord-lieutenant of Ireland for the time being), and 15 knights. By the statutes of 1833 the number of knights was increased to 22. The collar of the order (of gold) is composed of roses alternating with harps, tied together with a knot of gold, the roses being enameled alternately white within red, and red within white, and in the centre is an imperial crown surmounting a harp of gold, from which the badge is suspended. Thebadgeorjewelis of gold, and oval; surrounding it is a wreath of shamrock proper on a gold field; within this is a band of sky-blue enamel charged with the motto of the order,Quis SeparabitMDCCLXXXIII. in gold letters; and within this hand a saltire gules (the cross of St. Patrick) surmounted by a shamrock or trefoil slipped vert, having on each of its leaves an imperial crown or. The field of the cross is either argent or pierced, and left open. A sky-blueribbon, worn over the right shoulder, sustains the badge when the collar is not worn. Thestar, worn on the left side, differs from the badge only in being circular in place of oval, and in substituting for the exterior wreath of shamrocks eight rays of silver, four rays of which are larger than the other four. Themantleis of rich sky-blue tabinet, lined with white silk, and fastened by a cordon of blue silk and gold with tassels. On the right shoulder is thehood, of the same materials as themantle. The order is indicated by the initials K.P.
Patriot.A sincere and unbiased friend to his country; an advocate for general civilization, uniting in his conduct through life, moral rectitude with political integrity. Such a character is seldom found in any country; but the specious appearance of it is to be seen everywhere, most especially in Europe. It is difficult to say how far the term can be used in a military sense, although it is not uncommon to read of a citizen soldier, and apatriotsoldier. Individually considered the term may be just, but it is hardly to be understood collectively.
Patrol.To go the rounds in a camp or garrison; to march about and observe what passes as a guard. To pass round as a sentinel; as, to patrol the city.
Patrolling.Performing the duties of a patrol.
Patrols.A patrol is a detachment which is employed to obtain information respecting the enemy’s movements and position, and relating to the nature of the country over which the army has to move, and to keep open the communications between the different portions of a command. Patrols are generally composed entirely of cavalry, although they are sometimes composed of infantry and cavalry; and in very much broken and obstructed ground, it might be necessary that they contain only infantry.
Patte(Fr.). A term used in mining; when a well or excavation is made in loose or crumbling earth, and it becomes necessary to frame it in, the rafters must be laid horizontally to support the boards in proportion as the workmen gain depth. The ends of the rafters that are first laid run 10 or 12 inches beyond the border of the well, for the purpose of sustaining the platform. These supports are calledoreilles; consequently, that every frame may be supported the second is attached or made firm to the first by means of the ends of boards which are nailed together. In this manner the third is joined to the second, and the fourth to the third. These ends are calledpattes, or handles.
Pattée, Cross, orCross Formeé(Lat.patulus, “spreading”). In heraldry, a cross with its arms expanding towards the ends, and flat at their outer edges.
Patte d’Oie(Fr.). A term used in mining to describe three small branches which are run out at the extremity of a gallery. They are so called from their resemblance to the foot of a goose.
Pattern Regiment.A phrase of distinctionwhich is applied to a corps of officers and soldiers who are remarkable for their observance of good order and discipline.
Paulus Hook.A point on the Jersey shore which ran into the Hudson River near where the Pavonia ferries now are. The first settlement was made here in 1633. A British fort erected at this point was taken on the morning of August 19, 1779, by the Americans under Maj. Harry Lee, who made a descent on it by way of the Point of Rocks, and captured 179 prisoners, a number of guns, and a quantity of stores.
Pavade.Formerly a short dagger was so called in Scotland.
Pavecheur, orPavesier. An ancient militia who carried the (pavois) shield.
Pavia(anc.Ticinum). A city of Northern Italy, capital of the province of the same name, on the left bank of the Ticino, 20 miles south of Milan, and 3 miles above the confluence of the Ticino and the Po. Pavia was founded by the Ligurii; it was sacked by Brennus and by Hannibal; burned by the Huns; conquered by the Romans, and became a place of considerable importance at the end of the Roman empire. Then it came into the possession of the Goths and Lombards, and the kings of the latter made it the capital of the kingdom of Italy. It became independent in the 12th century, then, weakened by civil wars, it was conquered by Matthew Visconti in 1345. Since that period, its history is merged in that of the conquerors of Lombardy. Here, in 1525, the French were defeated by the Imperialists, and their king taken prisoner; but in 1527, and again in the following year it was taken and laid waste by the French. It was stormed and pillaged by Napoleon in 1796, and came into the possession of Austria by the peace of 1814. Since 1859 it has been included within the reorganized kingdom of Italy.
Pavilion.A tent raised on posts; a flag, colors, ensign, or banner; in heraldry, a covering in form of a tent, investing the armories of kings.
Pavilion, To.To furnish or cover with tents; to shelter with a tent.
Pavise(written alsoPavais,Pavese, andPavesse). A large shield covering the whole body, having an inward curve, managed by a pavisor, who with it screened an archer.
Pavisor.In military antiquity, a soldier who managed a pavise.
Pavon.An ancient military flag shaped like a right-angled triangle.
Pawnees.A warlike tribe of Indians who formerly resided in Nebraska, but are now located in Indian Territory. Their numbers have been greatly reduced, owing to their wars with the Sioux, with whom they maintained a hereditary warfare. They now number about 2000 souls, and are divided in four bands.
Pay.Is the stipend or salary allowed for each individual serving in the army.
Pay Bills.In the British service, accounts regularly tendered by captains of troops or companies of the money required by them for the effectives of such troop or company.
Pay, Colonial.In the British service is a certain allowance which is made to troops serving in the colonies.
Pay Department.Is that department of a government which takes charge of all matters relating to the pay of the army. In the U. S. army the pay department consists of 1 paymaster-general, with the rank, pay, and emoluments of a brigadier-general; 2 assistant paymaster-generals, with the rank, pay, and emoluments of colonels of cavalry; 2 deputy paymaster-generals, with the rank, pay, and emoluments of lieutenant-colonels of cavalry; and 50 paymasters, with the rank, pay, and emoluments of majors of cavalry.
Pay, Half-.SecHalf-pay.
Pay, Full.SeeFull Pay.
Pay, Staff.Is the pay and allowances which are made to officers serving on the staff of an army, or in any particular division or department.
Paymaster-General.In the U. S. army, is the chief officer of the pay department, with the rank of brigadier-general. Under the direction of the Secretary of War, the paymaster-general assigns paymasters to districts; he receives from the treasurer all the moneys which are intrusted to him for the purpose of paying the pay, the arrears of pay, etc., appertaining to the army. He is also charged with all necessary instructions to his subordinates in reference to the supply and distribution of funds for the payment of the army, and all other things appertaining to the financial duties of his department and the accountability of its officers. In these and all other matters having relation specially to the internal administration of the pay department, the correspondence and orders is direct between the paymaster-general and his subordinates, and between the department and district chiefs and their subordinates.
Paymasters.Are officers appointed in the army for the purpose of keeping its pay accounts, and the disbursing of moneys in payment of troops. In the U. S. service it is the duty of paymasters to pay all the regular and other troops; and to insure punctuality and responsibility, correct reports shall be made to the paymaster-general once in two months, showing the disposition of the funds previously transmitted, with accurate estimates for the next payment of such regiment, garrison, or department, as may be assigned to each. In the British service a paymaster is attached to each regiment.
Paymaster-Sergeant.In the English army, a non-commissioned officer who assists the paymaster.
Pay-roll.A roll or list of persons entitled to payment, with the sums which are to be paid on them. In the U. S. army, commandersof companies are required to prepare at each regular muster, beside one muster-roll, three copies of the “muster- and pay-roll,” two for the paymaster, and one to be retained in the company files. When the paymaster’s rolls have been computed and returned to the company for examination and signature, the calculations thereon will be transcribed on the triplicate muster- and pay-roll, under the direction of or by the company commander, who is responsible for the correct performance of this duty.
Pay-Sergeant.In the British service, a sergeant who, on the responsibility of the captain of a troop, battery, or company, keeps the men’s accounts. He is generally, but not invariably, the color-sergeant in the infantry, or the troop or battery sergeant-major in the cavalry or artillery.
Pea Ridge.A range of hills in Benton Co., Ark., which gives its name to the battle fought here March 6-8, 1862, between the Union forces under Gen. Curtis and the Confederates under Van Dorn, in which the latter were defeated with loss of over 2500 killed, wounded, and captured.
Peabody-Martini Rifle.A breech-loading rifle invented by an American—Peabody—and improved by a Swiss. It is calledMartini-Henryin England, in which country it is the official arm. More than half a million of these rifles were manufactured for the Turkish government during the late Russo-Turkish war by the Providence Tool Company of Rhode Island. The gun has a great reputation on account of its long range.
Peace.Freedom from war, exemption from, or cessation of, hostilities. This condition of affairs is effected and maintained by treaties between independent powers.
Peace Establishment.The reduced number of effective men in the army during a period of peace.
Peal.A long sound, or a succession of long sounds, as of cannon, etc.
Pean(Old Fr.pannes, “furs”). One of the furs borne in heraldry, differing from ermine only in the tinctures,—the ground being sable and the spots of gold.
Pea-rifle.A rifle of small bore carrying a ball of the size of a pea.
Peasants’ War.In German history, the name given to that great insurrection of the peasantry which broke out in the beginning of the year 1525. The oppression of the peasants had gradually increased in severity, as the nobility became more extravagant and the clergy more sensual and degenerate. The example of Switzerland encouraged the hope of success, and from 1476 to 1517 there were risings here and there among the peasants of the south of Germany. A peasant rebellion, called from its cognizance, theBundschuh(laced shoe), took place in the Rhine countries in 1502, and another called the “League of Poor Conrad,” in Würtemberg, in 1514, both of which were put down without any abatement of the grievances which occasioned them. The Reformation, by the mental awakening which it produced, and the diffusion of sentiments favorable to freedom, must be reckoned among the causes of the great insurrection itself. The Anabaptists, and in particular Münzer, encouraged and excited them, and a peasant insurrection took place in the Hegau in 1522. Another known as the “Latin War” arose in 1523 in Salzburg, against an unpopular archbishop, but these were quickly suppressed. On January 1, 1525, the peasantry of the abbacy of Kempten, along with the towns-people, suddenly assailed and plundered the convent; this event proved the signal for a general rising of the peasantry on all sides throughout the south of Germany. They organized themselves into bands of from 9000 to 30,000, and destroyed convents and castles, murdered, pillaged, and were guilty of the greatest excesses, which must indeed be regarded as partly in revenge for the cruelties practiced against them. In May and June, 1525, they sustained a number of severe defeats from the regular forces under Truchsess von Waldburg, in which large bodies of them were destroyed. The landgraf Philip of Hesse was also successful against them in the north of Germany. The peasants after they had been subjugated were everywhere treated with terrible cruelty; a great body of them were massacred; multitudes were hanged in the streets, and many were put to death with the greatest tortures. It is supposed that more than 150,000 persons lost their lives in this war. The lot of the defeated insurgents became harder than ever.
Pebble Powder.SeeGunpowder.
Pecq, Le.A village of France, on the right bank of the Seine, about half a mile east from St. Germain en Laye. The allied forces crossed the Seine at this spot in 1815.
Pectoral(Fr.pectorale). A breastplate. Among the Romans the poorer soldiers, who were rated under 1000 drachmas, instead of thelorica, or brigantine (a leathern coat of mail) wore a pectoral, or breastplate of thin brass, about twelve fingers square. Some modern troops, such as the cuirassiers, etc., wear pectorals for the direct purposes of defense and bodily protection; but in general small ornamental plates with clasps have been substituted.
Peculation.A term used in a military sense for embezzling public moneys, stores, arms, or ammunition. SeeAppendix,Articles of War,60.
Pedro.An early gun of large caliber for throwing stone balls.
Peel.To strip; to plunder; to pillage; as, to peel a province or conquered people.
Peel.A small tower or fort.
Peel-house.A small fortified place.
Peel-towers.The name given to the towers erected on the Scottish borders for defense. They are square, with turrets at the angles, and the door is sometimes at a height from the ground. The lower storyis usually vaulted, and forms a stable for horses, cattle, etc.
Peep o’ Day Boys.Were insurgents in Ireland, who visited the houses of their antagonists at break of day, in search of arms. They first appeared July 4, 1784, and for a long period were the terror of the country.
Pegu.A British province of Eastern India, is bounded on the north by the Burmese empire, east by the Tenasserim provinces, south by the Gulf of Martaban, and west by the Bay of Bengal and the province of Arracan. It was discovered by the Portuguese in 1520. The early history of Pegu consists of little more than a narrative of barbarous and cruel contests between that country and the kingdom of Ava, in which the latter was finally successful, and reduced Pegu to a province of that kingdom, or, as it is generally called, the Burman empire. Pegu, the capital, was taken by Maj. Cotton, with 300 men, in June, 1852, without loss; and afterwards abandoned. It was again occupied by the Burmese and strongly fortified, with a garrison of 4000 men. It was recaptured by Gen. Godwin with 1200 men and 2 guns, in two hours, with the loss of 6 killed and 32 wounded. The province was annexed to the British possessions, by proclamation, December 20, 1852, and has since prospered. In February, 1862, it was united with Arracan and Tenasserim as British Burmah.
Pei-ho.A river of China, which rising on the confines of Tartary, traverses the northern part of the province of Chih-le or Pe-chih-le, and falls into the Gulf of Pe-chih-le, in about 38° 30′ N. lat. The attack on the escort of the British and French ambassadors whilst ascending the Pei-ho to Pekin (June, 1859), led to the war with China of 1860, in which year the Taku forts on this river were taken by the British.
Peishwa.The title of the military governor of the Mahrattas, whose office became hereditary in the family of Balajee Biswanath, its first possessor, who fixed his residence at Poonah.
Peking, orPekin. The capital of the Chinese empire, situated between the Pei-ho and Hoen-ho, 100 miles northwest from the mouth of the Pei-ho River. About 5 miles north from the city the famous Yuen-ming-yuen palaces are situated, which were sacked and destroyed by the allies in October, 1860; these were 30 in number. Here had been heaped up for centuries all the movable riches and presents of the emperors of China. At the approach of the allies Hien-fung fled in haste; and when Lord Elgin learned that it was in those grounds that the British and French prisoners, captured by treachery, had been tortured, he gave the order to sack and destroy this favorite residence of the emperor’s, as it could not fail to be a blow to his pride as well as his feelings; and it became a solemn act of retribution. Peking has thus been rendered memorable by this march of the British and French forces (1860) to the walls of the city, on which the British and French flags were raised. The provisions of the treaty of Tien-tsin (1858) were subsequently ratified and supplemented by the convention of Peking, which was signed in the English and French languages at Peking, October 24, 1860.
Pelican.An ancient name for a 6-pounder culverin, 9 feet long and weighing 2400 pounds.
Pelican.In heraldry, the pelican is drawn with her wings endorsed, and wounding her breast with her beak. When represented in her nest feeding her young with her blood, she is called a pelican inher piety.
Peligni.A brave and warlike people of Sabine origin, in Central Italy, bounded southeast by the Marsi, north by the Marrucini, south by Samium and the Frentani, and east by the Frentani likewise. They offered a brave resistance to the Romans, but concluded a peace with the republic along with their neighbors the Marsi, Marrucini, and Frentani, in 304B.C.They took an active part in the Social war (90, 89). They were subdued by Pompeius Strabo, after which time they are rarely mentioned.
Pelinna, or more commonlyPelinnæum(nowGardhiki). A town of Thessaly, in Hestiæotis, on the left bank of the Peneus, was taken by the Romans in their war with Antiochus.
Pellene.A city in Achaia, bordering on Sicyonia, the most easterly of the twelve Achæan cities, was situated on a hill 60 stadia from the sea, and was strongly fortified. Its port-town was Aristonautæ. In the Peloponnesian war Pellene sided with Sparta. In the later wars of Greece between the Achæan and Ætolian leagues, the town was several times taken by the contending parties.
Pellet.An old word for shot or bullet.
Pellet, orOgress. In English heraldry, a roundle sable.
Pell-mell.In utter confusion; with disorderly mixture; with confused violence; as, the battle was a confused heap, the ground unequal, men, horses, chariots, crowded pell-mell.
Peloponnesian War.One of the most celebrated and important of the wars carried on between the different states of Greece; the particulars of which are related in the writings of Xenophon and Thucydides. It existed for twenty-seven years, during which time the Athenians and the inhabitants of the Peloponnesus, the most southern peninsula of Greece, were the principal belligerents. After the Athenians had sustained immense losses, it was at best agreed that to establish the peace the fortifications of the Athenian harbors should be demolished, and all their ships, except twelve, be surrendered to the enemy. They were to resign every pretension to their dominions abroad; to follow the Spartans in war, and in time of peace to frame their constitutions accordingto the will and prescription of their Peloponnesian conquerors. Their walls and fortifications were instantly leveled to the ground; and the conquerors observed that in the demolition of Athens, succeeding ages would fix the era of Grecian freedom. This memorable event happened about 404 years before the Christian era; and thirty “tyrants” were appointed by Lysander over the government of the city.
Pelta.A small light shield, sometimes attributed to the Amazons, but used by numerous nations of antiquity, such as the inhabitants of Thrace, Spain, and Mauritania, before its general introduction among the Greeks. It consisted mainly of a frame of wood or wicker-work covered with skin or leather, without the metallic rim, and of a great variety of shapes. It was sometimes round, as in the special case of thecetra, sometimes elliptical, sometimes variously situated round the rim, sometimes even quadrangular, but most commonly crescent-shaped or lunated, as alluded to in the “Amazonidum lunatis agmina peltis” of Virgil. Soldiers bearing thepeltawere calledpeltastæ.
Pelusium.The Greek name of an ancient Egyptian city situated on the northeastern angle of the Delta, and important as the key of Egypt on the Asiatic side. Pelusium is calledSinin the Old Testament. It first figures in semi-authentic history as the scene of Sennacherib’s defeat, when (according to the Egyptian tradition, as reported by Herodotus) the camp of the Assyrians was invaded at night by a host of field-mice, who gnawed their bow-strings and shield-straps, so that in the morning, when the Egyptians fell upon them, they were defenseless. In 525B.C., Cambyses overthrew, near Pelusium, the forces of Pharaoh-Psammetichus. It surrendered to Alexander in 333B.C.The city was also taken by the Persians in 309B.C.; and in 173B.C., it was the scene of the defeat of Ptolemy Philometor by Antiochus Epiphanes. Mark Antony captured it 55B.C., and it opened its gates to Octavian after his victory at Actium, 31B.C.It was taken after a protracted resistance by Amrou, the Saracen, in 618.
Pembroke.A seaport town of South Wales, on a navigable creek of Milford Haven, 210 miles west of London. In 1648 its castle was beleaguered by Cromwell, and taken after a siege of six weeks.
Penalba, orPenalva. A village of Spain, province of Huesca, 18 miles northwest of Mequinenza. During the War of the Succession the troops of Philip V. were here defeated in a bloody battle by the army of the Archduke Charles, August 15, 1710.
Penalty.In a military sense, signifies forfeiture for non-performance, likewise punishment for embezzlement, etc.
Pencel.A small flag or streamer which was formerly carried at the top of a lance;—called alsopennoncel.
Pend d’Oreilles, orKalispels(Calispels). A tribe of partially civilized Indians, divided into several bands aggregating about 2000, who reside in Washington, Idaho, and Montana Territories. A few of this tribe are also to be found in British Columbia.
Pendant.In heraldry, a part hanging from the label, resembling the drops in the Doric frieze.
Pendulum, Ballistic.SeeBallistic Pendulum.
Pendulum Hausse.SeeHausse, Pendulum.
Penetrating.Having the power of entering or piercing another body.
Penetration of Spherical Projectiles.Their penetration when of the same size, with different velocities or charges, is nearly as the squares of the velocities; when of different sizes the penetration will be proportionate to their diameters multiplied by the density, and inversely as the tenacity of the medium. The depth of penetration of a projectile fired from field-pieces at the distance of 500 or 600 yards, is from 41⁄2to 6 feet in parapets recently constructed, and will traverse walls of ordinary construction; but a 12-pounder is necessary to make a breach in walls of good masonry and of 4 feet in thickness, and in this case the position of the battery must be favorable, and the operation a slow one. The depth of penetration of projectiles fired from the 41⁄2-inch siege-gun, is about the same as that of projectiles fired from the 30-pounder Parrott gun, namely, 12 feet. Sand, sandy earth mixed with gravel, small stones, chalk, and tufa, resist shot better than the productive earths. Shells may be considered as round shot of a lower specific gravity, and their penetrations are therefore proportionally less. A bank of earth, to afford a secure cover from heavy guns, will require a thickness from 18 to 24 feet. In guns below 18-pounders, if the number of the feet in thickness of the bank be made equal to the number of pounds in the weight of the shot by which it is to be assailed, the requisite protection will be obtained. Earth possesses advantages over every other material. It is easily obtained, regains its position after displacement, and the injury done to an earthen battery by day can be readily repaired at night. Where masonry is liable to be breached, it should be covered with earth. Wrought-iron plates 41⁄2inches in thickness will withstand the effects of 32-pound shots, and of all inferior calibers at short ranges, as 400 yards. Plates of this thickness, however, are soon destroyed by 68-pound shots, and afford little protection from the elongated shots of the new rifled ordnance. To resist successfully the fall of heavy shells, buildings must be covered with arches of good masonry, not less than 3 feet thick, having bearings not greater than 25 feet, and these must be again protected by a covering of several feet of earth. Iron plates half an inch thick, oak planks 4 inches thick, or a 9-inch brick wall, areproof against musketry or canister at a range of 100 yards. Iron plates 1 inch thick, oak from 8 to 10 inches thick, a good wall a foot thick or a firm bank of earth 4 feet thick, will afford secure cover from grape-shot, from any but the largest guns at short ranges. The common musket will drive its bullet about a foot and a half into well-rammed earth, or it will penetrate from 6 to 10 half-inch elm boards placed at intervals of an inch. The penetration of the rifled musket is about twice that of the common musket. A rope matting or mantlet 31⁄2inches thick is found to resist small-arm projectiles at all distances; it may therefore be employed as a screen against riflemen.
Peninsular War.A war which had for its theatre the kingdoms of Spain and Portugal, and in which England, Spain, and Portugal fought against France. It lasted from March, 1808, until May, 1814, when the former powers were completely victorious.
Pennetière, orPanetière(Fr.). A pocket or small bag in which slingers carried stones and leaden balls.
Pennon(Fr.). Formerly a copper wing of a long, light arrow (vireton), substituted for a feather.
Pennon.In former times was something like a banner, but with the addition of a triangular point, charged with arms, and borne before knights-bachelors.
Pennsylvania.One of the Middle States of the Atlantic slope, the second in population in the Union, and one of the thirteen of the original confederacy. The earliest settlements were made in 1627 by a colony of Swedes and Finns, who established themselves on the Delaware River, going as far northward as the locality of Philadelphia. In 1665 a Dutch expedition from New Amsterdam took formal possession of the country. The Dutch in their turn were superseded by the English after the capture of New York in 1664; and in 1681 the territory was granted by Charles II. to William Penn, who with his co-religionists of the Society of Friends established a Christian government “founded on peace, reason, and right.” Having purchased the lands of the Indians, and conciliated them by kindness and good will, he secured their friendship during seventy years. Previous to the French and Indian war in 1755, the contests waged between the French and English colonists had not reached Pennsylvania; but in that year occurred the disastrous defeat of Braddock, near Pittsburgh, in which Washington, then a young man, distinguished himself. Pennsylvania took an active part in the Revolutionary contest, and on her soil occurred the battles of Brandywine and Germantown, September and October, 1777, the massacres of Wyoming and Paoli, and the suffering winter encampment at Valley Forge in 1777-78. The most prosperous of the colonies, and in a central position, it became the seat of the congress held by the colonies both before and after the decision of the struggle. Independence was proclaimed here, and it remained the seat of the general government until 1800. No State in the confederacy has been more loyal to the Constitution. During the war of 1812 she promptly furnished her quota of troops, and during the civil war she sent nearly 400,000 men into the field. During this trying period her territory was three times invaded: in 1862, whenChambersburg(which see) was captured, and in 1864, when it was burned; and in 1863, when it was invaded by Lee, and the battle of Gettysburg fought on its soil.
Penobscots.A tribe of Indians, of Algonkin stock (numbering about 500), who reside on an island in the Penobscot River, about 8 miles north of Bangor, Me. They were allies of the colonists in the war of the Revolution, and received for their services a large tract of land, the greater part of which has been from time to time disposed of.
Penon de Velez.A fortified town, built on a high and steep rock, lying off the north coast of Morocco, 75 miles southeast from Ceuta. It belongs to Spain, and was founded by Pedro of Navarre in 1508. It was taken by the Moors in 1522; but recovered by the Spaniards in 1664.
Penrith.A town of England, county of Cumberland, 282 miles north-northwest of London. On a knoll to the west of the town stand the ruins of a castle, which was built by the Nevilles during the wars of the Roses, and dismantled in the civil war by the Parliamentary party. The town is a place of considerable antiquity, and it formerly played a conspicuous part in the border warfare. It was taken by the Scots several times in the 14th century, and in 1715 and 1745 was occupied by the insurgents.
Pensacola.City and capital of Escambia Co., Fla., situated on the west shore of Pensacola Bay, about 10 miles from the Gulf of Mexico, has an excellent harbor, and is one of the safest in the Gulf. Pensacola was settled by the Spaniards, occupied by the British in 1814, and acquired by the United States in 1821. It contains a navy-yard, and is defended by Forts Pickens and McRae. During the civil war, 1861-65, it was the scene of several military and naval operations. The navy-yard was surrendered to the Confederates in 1861, but was recovered by the Union forces in the following year.
Pension.Specifically, a stated allowance to a person in consideration of past services; payment made to one retired from service, for age, disability, or other cause; especially a yearly stipend paid by government to retired officers, disabled soldiers, the families of soldiers killed, etc.
Pensioner.In the British army, is a soldier maintained in Chelsea Hospital.
Pensioner, Out-.In the British army, is a soldier receiving a pension, but not maintained in Chelsea Hospital. Those who are capable of bearing arms are available for military service when required.
Pensioners, Gentlemen.SeeGentlemen-at-arms.
Penstock.A machine composed of timber, which, by means of a movable board, enables the defenders of a fortress to allow such a rush of water from the batardeaux as to inundate and destroy the works which the enemy may have constructed in the ditch.
Pentagon.In fortification, a figure bounded by five sides, which form so many angles, capable of being fortified with an equal number of bastions. It also denotes a fort with five bastions.
Pentathlon.The five exercises performed in the Grecian games, namely, leaping, running, quoiting, darting, and wrestling.
Penthouse.A shed hanging forward in a sloping direction from the main wall of a place.
Pentland Hills.A range of hills in Scotland, commencing about 4 miles west from Edinburgh. Here the Scotch Presbyterians, since called Cameronians, who had risen against the government, on account of the establishment of Episcopacy, were defeated by the royal troops, November 28, 1666.
Pentri.One of the most important of the tribes in Samnium; were conquered by the Romans along with the other Samnites, and were the only one of the Samnite tribes who remained faithful to the Romans when the rest of the nation revolted to Hannibal in the second Punic war.
Peons.East Indian municipal foot-soldiers. These men are chiefly employed to assist in collecting the revenues, and carry a pike or staff. Most persons in India keep servants, who wear a belt with their master’s name on it. These are calledpeadahs.
Peoria Indians.A tribe of aborigines who formerly resided in Illinois, but are now settled on the Quapaw agency, in Indian Territory, in confederation with the Kaskaskias and other tribes. They are but few in number, the northern tribes having nearly exterminated them in 1769, in revenge for the murder of Pontiac.
Pequots, orPequods. A tribe of Indians of Algonkin stock, closely allied to the Mohegans, who resided in Eastern Connecticut. The tribe was nearly exterminated by the colonists in the Pequot war (1637).
Perclose, orDemi-Garter. In heraldry, the lower half of a garter with the buckle.
Percussion.Is the impression which a body makes in falling or striking against another, or the shock of two moving bodies. It is either direct or oblique.
Percussion, Centre of.That point wherein the shock of the percutient bodies is the greatest.
Percussion, Direct.Is where the impulse is given in the direction of a right line perpendicular to the point of contact.
Percussion, Oblique.Is where the impulse is given in the direction of a line oblique to the point of contact.
Percussion-bullet.A bullet made by placing a small quantity of percussion powder in a copper envelope in the point of an ordinary rifled-musket bullet.
Percussion-caps.SeeCaps, Percussion-.
Percussion-fuze.SeeFuze.
Percussion-lock.A lock of a gun in which gunpowder is exploded by fire obtained from the percussion of fulminating powder.
Percussion-match.A match which ignites by percussion.
Percussion-powder.Powder composed of such materials as to ignite by slight percussion; fulminating powder.
Percutient.That which strikes or has power to strike.
Perdu.A word adopted from the French, signifying to lie flat and closely in wait. It likewise means employed on desperate purposes; accustomed to desperate enterprises.
Pered(Hungary). Here the Hungarians under Görgey were defeated by Wohlgemuth and the Russians, June 21, 1849.
Perekop.An isthmus 5 miles broad, connecting the Crimea with the mainland. It was called by the Tartars Orkapou, “gate of the Isthmus,” which the Russians changed to its present name, which signifies a barren ditch. The Tartar fortress of the same name, which was situated on this isthmus, was taken and destroyed by the Russian marshal Münich in 1736, by assault, although it was defended by 1000 Janissaries and 100,000 Tartars. It was again strongly fortified by the khan, but was again taken by the Russians in 1771, who have since retained it.
Peremptory.Whatever is absolute and final, not to be altered, renewed, or restrained.Peremptory execution, what takes place immediately.
Perfidious.Treacherous; false to trust; guilty of violated faith; hence a perfidious foe. War, however melancholy in its effects, and frequently unjustifiable in its cause and progress, is nevertheless, among civilized nations, so far governed by certain principles of honor as to render the observance of established laws and customs an object of general acquiescence. When two or more countries are engaged in a hostile contest, whatever belligerent party grossly deviates from those rules is deservedly stamped with infamy, and justly called aperfidiousfoe.
Perfidy.Want of faith; treachery.
Perforated Cake Powder.SeeGunpowder.
Périgueux.A town of France, capital of the department of Dordogne, 296 miles south-southwest from Paris. Périgueux occupies the site of the ancient Vesunna, which was at the time of the Roman invasion the capital of the Petrocorii. Under the empire, it was a place of no small importance, as it stood at the junction of five roads, and was strongly fortified. It wasceded, along with Aquitaine, to the English by Louis IX. After having been recovered by the French, the town was again lost; but it was finally taken from the English by Charles V. During the civil wars of the Reformation, it was a stronghold of the Protestants till the year 1581; and it was not till 1653 that it came into the power of the crown.
Peril.Instant or impending danger; risk; hazard; jeopardy; exposure to injury, loss, or destruction.
Peril.To expose to danger; to hazard; to risk, etc.
Perim.A small island belonging to Great Britain, situated in the strait of Bab-el-Mandeb, at the entrance to the Red Sea, about 1 mile distant from the Arabian, and about 13 miles from the African coast. On its southwest side is an excellent harbor, capable of accommodating 40 men-of-war. Fortifications have been erected on the island, and the guns command the strait on both sides. It was first occupied by the English in 1799, and held by them as a check upon the designs of the French, who were then in Egypt. It was abandoned in 1801, but was reoccupied by Great Britain in February, 1857, with a view to the protection of her Indian possessions, which were thought to be exposed to some chance of danger from the opening of the Suez Canal.
Perjury.False swearing; the act or crime of willfully making a false oath, when lawfully administered; or the crime committed when a lawful oath is administered, in some judicial proceeding, to a person who swears willfully, absolutely, and falsely in a matter material to the issue. For punishment of persons convicted of perjury, seeAppendix,Articles of War,60and62.
Perkernucka.Petty officers are so called in India.
Perm.A government of Russia, situated partly in Russia in Europe and partly in Russia in Asia. It was invaded and ruined by the Mongols in the 13th century.
Permanent Fortification.SeeFortification.
Permanent Rank.A rank in the military service which does not cease with any particular service, or locality of circumstances; in opposition to local or temporary rank.
Péronne.A town of France, in the department of Somme, 30 miles east of Amiens. Louis XI. of France, having placed himself in the power of the Duke of Burgundy, was forced to sign the treaty of Péronne, confirming those of Arras and Conflans, with several humiliating stipulations, October 14, 1468. Louis XI. had promised Champagne and Brié as appanages to his brother Charles, duke of Berry, not intending to keep his word, apprehending that those provinces, being so near Burgundy, would prove a fresh source of broils and disputes. Péronne was a place of much importance in the Middle Ages, and bore the name ofLa Pucelle(“The Maiden City”), as it was never captured till Wellington took it eight days after the battle of Waterloo.
Perpendicular Direction.In the march of a line, is the direction at right angles to the line which each man should take in a direct movement to the front. Without the strictest attention is paid to this essential principle in all movements, the greatest irregularity, and ultimately the greatest confusion, must ensue. Perpendicular and parallel movements constitute, indeed, the whole system of good marching. When several columns, divisions, or companies advance, the lines and directions of marching must be strictly perpendicular and parallel to each other, otherwise the distance will be lost, and the ultimate object of forming a correct line must be defeated.
Perpendicular Fortification.Owes its origin to the Marquis de Montalembert, a distinguished French general, who published his works upon the subject in 1776. Vauban had, it was admitted, rendered the art of attack superior to that of defense. Montalembert strove to reverse this relation, and in his endeavors, rejected entirely the bastion system of the older engineers. Instead of the occasional bastions, with intervening curtains, with which they surrounded theirenceinte, he broke the whole polygon into salient and re-entering angles, the latter being generally at right angles. Before the connected redans thus formed were counterguards of low elevation and ravelins, to which the approaches were through casematedcaponnieres. In the salient angle of each redan he built a brick tower, 40 feet in diameter, twelve-sided, and four stories high. The second and third tiers were built for heavy guns, and the upper loop-holed for musketry. In the centre of the tower was a circularreduit, intended as a last refuge for the garrison. Montalembert maintained that from these towers every possible approach could be commanded, which to a great extent is true; but it must be also remembered that the greater space a gun commands, by so much the more is it raised above the plain, and rendered visible. These towers would have little chance against the rifled ordnance of the present day. Montalembert’s system was violently attacked by the French engineers, but Carnot subsequently adopted it, with some modifications, and it enters largely into the modern German defensive works. The system has never, however, found favor with British engineers.
Perpendicular, Gunner’s.SeeGunner’s Level.
Perpignan.A town of France, in the department of the Eastern Pyrenees, situated on the Tet, 35 miles from Narbonne. It commands the passage by the Eastern Pyrenees from Spain into France, and is defended on the south by a citadel and by ramparts flanked with bastions, and protected by raised works. Perpignan now ranks as oneof the first strongholds in France. In 1474 the town was taken by Louis XI. of France, but having been restored to Spain, it was again taken by Louis XIII. in 1642, and, along with the province of Roussillon, finally ceded to France by the treaty of the Pyrenees in 1659. In 1793 a battle was fought in its neighborhood between the Spaniards and the French, in which the former were defeated.
Perrhæbi.A powerful and warlike Pelasgis people, who, according to Strabo, migrated from Eubœa to the mainland, and settled in the districts of Hestiætos and Pelasgiotis in Thessaly. The Perrhæbi were members of the Amphictyonic League. At an early period they were subdued by the Lapithæ; at the time of the Peloponnesian war they were subject to the Thessalians, and subsequently to Philip of Macedon; but at the time of the Roman wars in Greece they appear independent of Macedonia.
Perrières.A kind of short mortars formerly much used for throwing stone shot.
Persepolis.An ancient city, the capital of Persia at the time of the invasion of Alexander the Great, and the seat of the chief palaces of the Persian kings. The city is said to have been burned by Alexander, and is not subsequently mentioned in history except in the second book of the Maccabees, where it is stated that Antiochus Epiphanes made a fruitless effort to plunder its temples. In the later times of the Mohammedan rule, the fortress ofIstakhrseems to have occupied the place of Persepolis.