Evacuate.To withdraw from a town or fortress, in consequence either of a treaty or a capitulation, or of superior orders.
Evagination.An unsheathing or drawing out of a sheath or scabbard.
Evesham.A borough and market town of England, in Worcestershire, on the Avon. Near this place a battle was fought between Prince Edward, son of Henry III., and Simon de Montfort, earl of Leicester, August 4, 1265.
Evidence.Is that which makes clear, demonstrates, or ascertains the truth of the very fact or point in issue. Hearsay evidence, the declaration of what one has heard from others. This species of evidence is not admissible in courts-martial.
Evocati.Were a class of soldiers among the Romans, who, after having served their full time in the army, entered as volunteers to accompany some favorite general. Hence they were likewise calledemeretiandbeneficiarii.
Evocation.A religious ceremony which was observed among the Romans at the commencement of a siege, wherein they solemnly called upon the gods and goddesses of the place to forsake it and come over to them. When any place surrendered they always took it for granted that their prayer had been heard.
Evolutions.Are the movements of troops in order to change position. The object may be to maintain or sustain a post, to occupy a new post, to improve an attack, or to improve a defense. All such movements as marching, countermarching, changing front, forming line, facing, wheeling, making column or line, defiling, deploying, etc., come under the general heading of evolutions.
Evreux(anc.Mediolanum). A city of France, capital of the department of Eure. It has sustained several sieges, and was burned by Henry I. of England in 1119.
Examination, Boards of.SeeBoards of Examination.
Exarchs.Were appointed by the Byzantine emperors of the East, to govern Central Italy after its conquest by Belisarius and Narses, 548. They ruled from 568 to 752, when Eutychus, the last, was overcome by Astolphus the Lombard.
Exauctoratio.In the Roman military discipline, differed from themissio, which was a full discharge, and took place after soldiers had served in the army twenty years;whereas the exauctoratio was only a partial discharge; they lost their pay, indeed, but still kept under their colors or vexilla, though not under the aquila or eagle, which was the standard of the legion; whence instead oflegionarii, they were calledsubsignani, and were retained till they had either served their full time, or had lands assigned them. The exauctoratio took place after they had served seventeen years.
Excavation.The art of cutting or otherwise making hollows in the earth; also the cavity formed.
Exchange.The act of two officers changing regiments, battalions, or batteries. The mutual giving up of an equal number of prisoners by hostile states or armies. In this sort of exchange an officer, according to his rank, is reckoned as equal to a certain number of men or of officers of a lower grade than his own.
Excubiæ.In ancient warfare, the watches and guards kept in the day by the Roman soldiers. They differed from thevigiliæ, which were kept in the night.
Execution, Military.Is the pillaging or plundering of a country by the enemy’s army. Military execution also means every kind of punishment inflicted in the army by the sentence of a court-martial; which is of various kinds, including putting a soldier to death by shooting him, which is the ordinary punishment of deserters to the enemy, mutineers, etc. This form of death is considered less disgraceful than hanging by the neck.
Exempt.Not subject, not liable to. Men of certain age are exempt from serving in the militia. An aide-de-camp and brigade-major are exempt from all regimental duties while serving in those capacities. Officers on courts-martial are sometimes exempt from all other duties until the court is dissolved.
Exercise.The practice of all those motions and actions, together with the whole management of arms, which are essential to the perfection of a soldier, and the rendering him fit for service.
Exercise, Artillery.Is the method of teaching the regiments of artillery the use and practice of all the various machines of war belonging to that particular arm of the service.
Exon.In England, an officer of the Yeomen of the Royal Guard; an exempt.
Exostre(Fr.). Bridge of theHelepoleor movable tower of the ancients, by which they passed upon a wall during a siege.
Expanding System of Projectiles.SeeProjectiles, Rifle.
Expedient.A stratagem in warfare.
Expedition.Is an enterprise taken by sea or by land against an enemy, the fortunate termination of which depends on the rapidity and unexpected nature of its movements. It is usually intrusted to a commander of acknowledged talents and experience.
Expense Magazines.Are small powder-magazines containing ammunition, etc., made up for present use. There is usually one in each bastion.
Experiments.The trials or applications of any kind of military machines in order to ascertain their practical qualities and uses.
Expiration of Service.The termination of a soldier’s contract of enlistment.
Explode.To burst with a loud report; to detonate, as gunpowder, or a shell filled with powder or the like material.
Explosion.The sudden enlargement of the volume of a body by its conversion into gas or vapor. (SeeExplosives.) The explosion of powder may be divided into three distinct parts, viz.:ignition,inflammation, andcombustion, all of which see under their proper headings.
Explosives.Substances the elements of which under certain conditions suddenly undergo a chemical rearrangement into gases, giving rise to great pressures on surrounding bodies. Modern writers recognize two different kinds of explosions,—explosions of the 1st order, ordetonations, andexplosions of the 2d order, orrapidcombustions. Detonating explosions are practically instantaneous. The explosion is supposed to be propagated by a vibration throughout the mass. Ordinary explosions are propagated by inflammation.Gunpowder, which may be taken as a type of explosives of the 2d order, burns at a certain rate, depending upon the density. When a charge is fired the inflammation spreads from the point of ignition to all parts of the charge,—each grain is successively enveloped and burned from surface to centre. Thevelocity of inflammationis the greater in proportion to the degree of confinement from the increased tension of the gases. Thevelocity of combustionis the rate at which the solid grains are burned. It is measured by the distance passed over by the burning surface (the line being taken perpendicular to the surface) in the unit of time. Time thus enters into the explosion of gunpowder and gives it its peculiar value as a ballistic agent.
In thedetonating explosives, the case is very different. These bodies may be supposed to be made up of molecules containing so many atoms of carbon, oxygen, nitrogen, etc., so placed as to be held in a state of equilibrium by their mutual attractions and repulsions, but this equilibrium is unstable; that is to say, each atom has only a very small arc of vibration in which the molecule is stable. If by any cause an atom is forced beyond this limit the equilibrium of the whole mass is destroyed, and the elements instantly rearrange themselves under the influence of the chemical affinities which obtain under the particular conditions of the explosion. This kind of explosion is brought about in various ways,—by percussion, concussion, heat, etc.,—some bodies being susceptible to one mode of firing more than another. The theory which offers the best explanation of the various phenomenais that the molecular balance is peculiarly susceptible to overturn by certain vibrations. The vibrations given out by the explosion of the fulminates seem to have the widest range in bringing about the detonation of different substances. For this reason the fulminate of mercury is the universaldetonating agent. Its own susceptibility to explosion by heat, percussion, and the electric spark especially fits it for this work. Wet gun-cotton requires in addition to the fulminate a “primer” of dry gun-cotton.
Explosives, Composition of.Ordinary explosivesof which gunpowder is the type aremechanical mixturesof two essential ingredients,—one a combustible, the other an oxidizing agent. The combustible is usually carbon,—sometimes associated with hydrogen. It may be sulphur or any substance having a great affinity for oxygen. Organic substances containing carbon and hydrogen are frequently used. In the chemical reaction the carbon is oxidized to carbonic acid and the hydrogen to water with the evolution of great heat.
The oxidizing substances ordinarily used are the nitrates and chlorates. Mixtures containing nitrates are the most stable, since the nitrate is comparatively slow to give up its oxygen. The chlorate mixtures are sensitive to friction and percussion, and explode with great quickness. Many of them are unsafe to handle. A new mode of preparing chlorate mixtures has been suggested which avoids this danger. Acombustible liquidis used, being absorbed in cakes or lumps of potassium or other chlorate.
Detonating explosivesarechemical compounds. Among them arechlorideandiodide of nitrogen. Both are dangerous, violent explosives of which no practical use has been made.
Thefulminatesare salts of fulminic acid. Thefulminate of mercuryis the one in common use. SeeFulminates.
Thenitro-substitutioncompounds form a large class, comprising the most important of the higher explosives. They are all formed by the action of nitric acid on organic substances containing oxygen, carbon, and hydrogen. This action is to replace hydrogen (H) in the organic substance by hyponitric acid (NO2) (in the acid), equivalent for equivalent. Sulphuric acid is generally mixed with the nitric, though it plays no direct part in the reaction, being used to absorb the water formed and prevent the dilution of the nitric acid.
Nitro-glycerine, the most powerful explosive in common use, is formed by the action of the acids on glycerine. SeeNitro-glycerine.
Nitro-starchandnitro-manniteare analogous substances, formed by the action of the acids on starch and sugar.
Gun-cottonis produced by the action of the acids on cotton-wool—a form of cellulose. SeeGun-cotton.
There are varieties of all these compounds produced, by the substitution of different numbers of equivalents of hyponitric acid, but the names are specially given to the most highly nitrated forms.
Picric acid, the salts of which form the well-knownpicrates, is made by the action of the acids on carbolic acid.
To heighten the effect of the lower forms of nitro-substitution compounds they are usually mixed with an oxidizing agent, such asnitrateorchlorate, which supplies the deficient oxygen. This is exemplified inSchultz’s wood powder(which see), and Reeve’s gun felt.
The picrates are similarly treated. Ammonium picrate mixed with nitre forms Abel’spicricpowder (Burgess’s powder). This has been used as a bursting charge for shells.
Mixtures of two high explosives have also been used, as in glyoxiline, invented by Prof. Abel, which is gun-cotton saturated with nitro-glycerine.
Explosive effect depends upon three elements,—1st, the volume of the gases produced taken at a standard temperature; 2d, the heat evolved in the chemical reaction; 3d, the time consumed in the development of the gases. Explosive effect is directly proportional to the first two of these elements, and inversely proportional to the third. According to Bertholet, nitro-glycerine gives out twice as much heat and three and a half times as much gas as an equal weight of gunpowder, but this gives no idea of their relative explosive effects, as the element of time in the detonating explosives is so short that it cannot be calculated. So nearly is this element absent that we may consider these explosions as almost perfect Impulsive Forces. To secureballistic effectrequires the gradual application of force. When motion is imparted to a body the inertia developed is inversely proportional to the time consumed in imparting it. This resistance to motion becomes enormously great when the detonating explosives are used. For this reason their ballistic effect is small. The force which should give the projectile motion is expended in producing molecular changes in both projectile and gun. The same quality, however, fits them especially for blasting and torpedoes, where shattering effect is desirable.
Express Rifle.A modern sporting rifle of great killing power, used in hunting large or dangerous animals. They were first introduced in England, and have become celebrated in the hands of African travelers and explorers. The principle consists in using large charges of powder and a light bullet, which gives a very high initial velocity and a trajectory practically a right line for 150 or 200 yards, hence the term “Express.” To increase the killing power of the bullet it is made of pure lead and has a hollow point. Upon striking game the bullet spreads outwardly, giving a fearful death-wound. Moreover, for specially ugly gamea small explosive cartridge can be dropped into the cavity in the point, making it an explosive bullet. (SeeBullets, Express.) In England a caliber as large as .57 is used for some Express rifles. In the United States a caliber of .45 or .50 is considered sufficient.
Expugn.To conquer; to take by assault.
Expugnable.Capable of being expugned, forced or conquered.
Expugnation.The act of taking by assault; conquest.
Expugner.One who expugns or conquers.
Extend.A term peculiarly applicable to light infantry movements, when the files are frequently loosened, and the front of the line extended for the purpose of skirmishing. When the divisions of a column are made to occupy a greater space of ground, they are said to extend their front.
Exterior Crest.The crest of the exterior slope of a parapet.
Exterior Form of Cannon.SeeOrdnance, Exterior Form.
Exterior Side.In fortification, is the side of the polygon, upon which a front of fortification is formed.
Exterior Slope.In fortification, is the slope given to the outside of a parapet. It is found by experience that earth of common quality will naturally acquire a slope of 45°, even when battered by cannon. This inclination is therefore given to the slope.
External Injuries to Cannon.SeeInjuries to Cannon.
Extortion.Under the modern laws of war, honorable men no longer permit the use of any violence against prisoners in order to extort information or to punish them for having given false information.
Extrados(Fr.). The exterior surface of a regular arch, used in the construction of powder-magazines.
Extraordinaries of the Army.In the English service, the allowances to troops beyond the gross pay in the pay office, come under this head. Such are the expenses for barracks, marches, encampments, staff, etc.
Extraordinarii.In the ancient Roman army, a select body of men consisting of the third part of the foreign cavalry and a fifth of the infantry. These were carefully separated from the other forces borrowed from the confederate states, in order to prevent any treacherous coalition between them. From among the extraordinarii a more choice body of men were drawn, under the name ofablecti. SeeAblecti.
Eylau, orEilau. Usually called Prussian Eylau, a town in the government of Königsberg, celebrated for the battle fought here between Napoleon and the allies—Russians and Prussians—under Bennigsen, February 8, 1807. The French force amounted to about 80,000, and the allies numbered 58,000, but were superior in artillery. The French claimed the victory, chiefly because the allied forces, unable to recruit their strength, were ordered to retreat from the field on the night of the battle, and to retire upon Königsberg. The loss of the allies is estimated at about 20,000, while that of the French must have been considerably greater.
Face.A term of varied application. In fortification, it is an appellation given to several parts of a fortress, as theface of the bastion, which is the two sides, reaching from the flanks to the salient angles. Theprolonged or extended faceis that part of the line of defense which is terminated by the curtain and the angle of the shoulder. Strictly taken, it is the line of defenserayant, diminished by the face of the bastion.
Face.In tactics, is the turning of a soldier on his heels as a “right face”; also the word of command for the movement.To faceis to turn on the heels.
Face of a Piece.In gunnery, is the terminating plane perpendicular to the axis of the bore.
Face of a Place.In fortification, is the front comprehended between the flanked angles of two neighboring bastions, composed of a curtain, two flanks, and two faces; and is sometimes called thetenailleof the place.
Faces of a Square.The sides of a battalion when formed in square.
Fachon.An Anglo-Norman term for a sword or falchion.
Facing.A covering, a plating.
Facings.The movements of soldiers by turning on their heels to the right, left, right-about, left-about, etc.To put one through one’s facings, is to examine into his elementary knowledge, to test his pretensions.
Facings.Are also the cuffs and collars of a military coat, and are generally of a different color from that of the coat.
Faction.In ancient history, one of the troops or bodies of combatants in the games of the circus, especially of the horse-races.
Faction.A term applied in an ill sense to any party in a state that offers uncompromisingopposition to the measures of the government, or that endeavors to excite public discontent upon unreasonable grounds.
Faction(Fr.). The duty done by a private soldier when he patrols, goes the round, etc., but most especially when he does duty as a sentinel. The French usually say,entrer en faction, to come upon duty;etre en faction, to be upon duty;sortir de faction, to come off duty.
Factionnaire(Fr.).Soldat factionnaire, a soldier that does every species of detail duty. The termfactionnairewas likewise applicable to the duty done by officers in the old French service.
Faenza(anc.Faventia). A town in Central Italy, 19 miles southwest of Ravenna. Faventia is noted in history as the place where Carbo and Norbanus were defeated with great loss by Metillus, the general of Sulla, in 82B.C.
Fæsulæ.SeeFiesole.
Fag-end.Is the end of any rope. This term is also applied to the end of a rope when it has become untwisted.To fag out, to wear out the end of a rope or a piece of canvas.
Fagnano.A village of Italy, 12 miles from Verona. In 1799 a battle was fought here between the Austrians and French.
Fagots.SeeFascines.
Fagots.In military history, were men hired to muster by officers whose companies were not complete; by which means they cheated the public of the men’s pay, and deprived the country of its regular establishment.
Failure.An unsuccessful attempt; as, the failure of an expedition.
Faint.To lose courage or spirit; to become depressed or despondent.
Faint-hearted.Wanting in courage; depressed by fear, easily discouraged or frightened; cowardly, timorous.
Fairfax, orCulpeper Court-house. A village, the capital of Culpeper Co., Va., on the Orange and Alexandria Railroad. This place was an important strategic point during the civil war (1861-65).
Fairfield.A village of Fairfield Co., Conn., situated on Long Island Sound. It was settled in 1659; it was burned in 1779 by order of Gov. Tryon.
Fair Haven.A village of Bristol Co., Mass., on Buzzard’s Bay. The town was attacked by the British on September 7, 1788, but they were repulsed without loss.
Fair Oaks.A locality in Henrico Co., Va., on the Richmond and York River Railroad, about 7 miles east of Richmond. Here a severe battle took place between the Federals under Gen. McClellan and the Confederate army under Gen. Johnston, May 31-June 1, 1862, in which the latter were defeated, although the former obtained no decisive results from their success. The Union loss was estimated at 5500; the Confederate was somewhat greater.
Fakir.A word derived from the Arabicfakhar, and designating a member of an order of mendicants or penitents, chiefly in India and the neighboring countries. They live either separately as hermits or solitary mendicants, or unite in large gangs, carrying arms and a banner, beating drums, and sounding horns, whenever they approach a town or village.
Falarique(Fr.) Falarica; combustible darts or arrows of various thicknesses, generally about 3 feet long; close behind the head was lodged the combustible matter by which shipping, etc., was set on fire; it was projected from a bow or catapult.
Falcair(Fr.). A soldier who was armed with a falcarius or short crooked sword.
Falchion.A curved sword, or small cimeter.
Falcon.An ancient form of cannon, 7 feet in length, carrying a ball of 4 pounds in weight.
Falconet.A small cannon anciently used, a little exceeding 6 feet in length, and carrying a ball of 2 pounds in weight.
Falczi, Peace of.Concluded between Russia and Turkey, July 2, 1711, the Russians giving up Azof and all their possessions on the Black Sea to the Turks. The Russians were saved from imminent destruction by the address of Catharine, the empress. In 1712 the war was renewed, and terminated by the peace of Constantinople, April 16, 1712.
Falerii.A city of ancient Etruria, which was situated west of the Tiber. The inhabitants, who were called Falisci, joined with those of Veii in assisting the Fidenates against the Romans, and were among the most dangerous enemies of Rome. In 241B.C.the city was destroyed, and a Roman colony was settled in the time of the triumvirs.
Falkirk.A town of Scotland, in Stirlingshire. Sir William Wallace was defeated in a battle near Falkirk by Edward I., and here, also, the royal army was defeated by the adherents of the house of Stuart in 1746.
Falkoping.A town of Sweden, near which, in 1338, Margaret, queen of Denmark, defeated Albert, king of Sweden, and took him prisoner.
Fall.The surrender or capture of a place after it has been besieged.
Fall.The rope rove through blocks, used with gins and shears for raising weights, and with the crab for moving them.
Fall.The descent of a body by the attraction of the earth.
Fall Foul, To.To attack; to make an assault.
Fall In.A word of command for men to form in ranks, as in parade, line, or division, etc.
Falling Bodies, Laws of.When a body falls freelyin vacuoit is actuated by a force which may be taken as constant, consequently its velocity will be uniformly accelerated. The constant increment to the velocityin one second is called theacceleration, and is a measure of the force. (SeeForce of Gravity.) The velocity acquired at the end of a certain time will be found by multiplying the force of gravity by the number of seconds. The laws of falling bodies are given by the following equations:
v=gt
v= √2gh
h=v22g
In whichvis the velocity acquired,hthe height fallen through,gthe force of gravity, andtthe time in seconds. These laws are approximately true for dense or heavy bodies falling for a few seconds in the atmosphere. For longer periods,vis less than that due tohunder the above laws. For full discussion, seeFinal Velocity.
Falling Branch.That part of the trajectory of a projectile in which it approaches the earth.
Fall Out, To.To quit the rank or file in which you were first posted. Dirty soldiers on a parade are frequently ordered to fall out, and remain in the rear of their companies. The phrase is applicable in a variety of other instances.
Fall Upon, To.To attack abruptly.
Falots(Fr.). Small lanterns fixed upon the end of a stick or pole. Small lamps likewise used, attached in the same manner, for the purpose of carrying them readily about to light a camp, or besieged towns, as occasion may require.
False Alarm.An alarm or apprehension which is either designedly or unintentionally created by noise, report, or signals, without being dangerous.
False Attack.An approach which is made as a feint for the purpose of diverting an enemy from the real object of attack.
False Fires.Lights or fires employed for the purpose of deceiving an enemy. When an army is about to retire from a position during the night false fires are lighted in different parts of the encampment to impose upon the enemy’s vigilance.
False Lights.In debarkations under cover of the night, may likewise be used as signals of deception, when it is found expedient to attract the attention of the invaded country towards one part of the coast or territory, whilst a real attack is meditated against another.
False Muster.An incorrect statement of the number of effective soldiers and horses. SeeAppendix,Articles of War,14.
False Return.A willful report of the actual state of a brigade, regiment, troop, or company, by which the commander-in-chief of the war department is deceived as to the effective force of such regiment or company. SeeAppendix,Articles of War,8.
Famagosta, orFamagusta. A seaport town of the island of Cyprus, on the east coast, built on the ruins of the ancient Arsinoe. In 1571 Famagosta was taken by the Turks, and the town was almost entirely destroyed by an earthquake in 1735.
Fanfare. The French name of a short and lively military air or call, executed on brass instruments.
Fang, To.To pour water into a pump in order to fetch it, when otherwise the boxes do not hold the water left on them.
Fanion(Fr.). A small flag which was sometimes carried at the head of the baggage of a brigade. It was made of serge, and resembled in color the uniform livery of the brigadier, or of the commandant of any particular corps.
Fantassin(Fr.). A foot-soldier. This term is derived from the Italianfante, aboy, the light troops in the 14th and 15th centuries being formed of boys who followed the armies and were formed into corps with light arms, hence the origin of the wordinfantry.
Fantee, orFanti. A maritime country of Guinea, inhabited by a tribe of the same name, who are now under English protection.
Farcy.A horse disease of the absorbents, affecting the skin and its blood-vessels; is of the nature of mange, and allied to glanders.
Farrier.In a general acceptation of the term, any person who shoes horses, or professes to cure their diseases. In a practical military sense, a man appointed to do the duty of farriery in a troop of cavalry. Troop farriers should be under the immediate superintendence and control of a veterinary surgeon. There is one farrier allowed to each troop of cavalry in the U. S. army.
Farrier-Major.A person who was formerly appointed by the colonel of a dragoon regiment to superintend the farriers of troops. He has since been superseded or replaced by a veterinary surgeon.
Fasces.Bundles of rods usually made of birch, but sometimes of elm, with an axe projecting from the middle of them, which were carried before the chief magistrates of ancient Rome, as symbols of their power over life and limb. They were borne by the lictors, at first before the kings; in the time of the republic, before consuls and prætors; and afterwards before the emperors.
Fascine.A long cylindrical fagot of brushwood, used to revet the interior of batteries and embrasures, and for many other purposes of military engineering.
Fascines, Covering.SeeCovering-fascines.
Fastness.A fast place; a stronghold; a fortress or fort; a place fortified; a castle, etc.
Fatigue.The cause of weariness; labor; toil; as, the fatigues of war.
Fatigue.The labors of military men, distinct from the use of arms.
Fatigue Call.A particular military call, sounded on the bugle or drum, by whichsoldiers are called upon to perform fatigue duties.
Fatigue Dress.The working dress of soldiers.
Fatigue Party.A party of soldiers on fatigue.
Faulcon.A small cannon.
Faulx(Fr.). An instrument nearly resembling a scythe. It was often used to defend a breach, or to prevent an enemy from scaling the walls of a fortified place. This weapon was first resorted to with some success, when Louis XIV. besieged Mons. On the surrender of that town, large quantities of faulx, or scythes, were found in the garrison.
Fausse Braye.In fortification, was a parapet constructed at a lower elevation than the main parapet, and between the foot of the parapet and the edge of the ditch. It was used only in permanent fortification, and has long been obsolete.
Fayetteville.A small town, capital of Washington Co., Ark. On April 18, 1863, this place, which was garrisoned by two regiments of Federal troops under Col. Harrison, was attacked by the Confederate general Cabell, with about 2000 men; and after six hours’ severe fighting the Confederates were repulsed.
Fayetteville.A town of Cumberland Co., N. C., on the left bank of the Cape Fear River. On April 22, 1861, the arsenal at this place surrendered to the Confederates, and about 35,000 stand of arms, besides some cannon and a considerable quantity of ammunition, fell into their hands. The town was taken by Gen. Sherman in March, 1865.
Fecial.Pertaining to heralds, and the denunciation of war to an enemy; as, fecial war.
Federal States.Are those united by treaty as one state, without giving up self-government,—as in Switzerland or the United States of North America. The Federals were the people of the Northern of the United States of America during the great conflict in 1861-65; their opponents were styled the Confederates.
Fehrbellin.A town of Prussia, 22 miles northwest from Potsdam. The elector of Brandenburg defeated the Swedish army near this town in 1675.
Feint.In military or naval matters, a mock attack or assault, usually made to throw an enemy off his guard against some real design upon his position.
Feint.In fencing, a seeming aim at one part when another is intended to be struck.
Felloes.In artillery, the parts of the wheel which form its circumference. There are generally seven in each wheel.
Feltre(Fr.). A Roman cuirass made of strong woolen cloth.
Fence.Self-defense by the use of the sword; fencing; the art and practice of fencing or sword-play.
Fencer.One who fences; one who teaches or practices the art of fencing with sword or foil.
Fence-roof.A covering of defense.
Fencible.Capable of being defended, or of making or affording defense.
Fencible.A soldier enlisted for the defense of the country, and not liable to be sent abroad.
Fencible Light Dragoons.A body of cavalry raised voluntarily in various counties of England and Scotland in 1794, to serve during the war in any part of Great Britain. This force was disbanded in 1800.
Fencibles.In England, regiments raised for a limited service, and for a definite period. The officers rank with the militia.
Fencing.The art of using skillfully a sword or foil in attack or defense; the art or practice of self-defense with the sword.
Fenian.A name formerly applied among the Celts to bodies of troops somewhat similar to our modern militia. They derived their name from Finn McCumhail, a famous Celtic chief. In modern times the name was assumed by an association formed for the liberation of Ireland, whose principal headquarters was in the United States, but ramifications of which extended through Great Britain, Ireland, and the colonies. In 1866 the Fenians attempted to invade Canada, and succeeded in crossing the frontier; but they were soon dispersed, and their leaders arrested by the U. S. authorities for violation of the neutrality laws. In 1867 there were several demonstrations made by them in England and Ireland, but their leaders were promptly arrested, and after some were executed, and others sentenced to long terms of imprisonment, the movement was crushed.
Fer(Fr.). Iron. Figuratively, this word is used for a sword or dagger; as,manier le fer, to wear the sword, to follow the profession of arms.
Fer à Cheval(Fr.). In fortification, a horseshoe, a small round or oval work, with a parapet, generally made in a ditch or in a marsh. It further means, according to the French acceptation of the term, a work constructed for the purpose of covering a gate, by having within it a guard-house, to prevent the town from being taken by surprise.
Ferdwit.In ancient military history, a term formerly used to denote a freedom from serving upon any military expedition; or, according to some, the being acquitted of manslaughter committed in the army.
Fere Champenoise, La.A town of France, in the department of the Marne, 20 miles from Epernay. In 1814 the French were defeated here by the allies.
Fere, La.A fortified town of France, in the department of the Aisne, on an island in the Oise. It has an arsenal and a school of artillery. This town was taken by the Spaniards in 1530; and by the allies in 1814.
Ferentarii.Among the Romans, were auxiliary troops lightly armed; their weapons being a sword, arrows, and a sling.We have also mention of another sort of Ferentarii, whose business was to carry arms after the army, and to be ready to supply the soldiers therewith in battle.
Ferozeshah.A village in Hindostan, situated a few miles from the left bank of the river Sutlej. Here the British, commanded by Sir Hugh Gough, attacked the intrenchments of the Sikhs, and carried their first line of works, December 21, 1845; but night coming on, the operations were suspended till daybreak next day, when their second line was stormed by Gen. Gilbert, and 74 guns captured. The Sikhs advanced to retake their guns, but were repulsed with great loss, and retreated toward the Sutlej, December 22; and recrossed that river unmolested, December 27. The loss of the British was reckoned at 2415.
Ferrara.A city of Italy, and the capital of one of the Æmilian provinces of the same name. It was subdued by the Lombards in the 8th century, and taken from them by Pepin, about 752, who gave it to Pope Stephen II. About 1208 it fell into the hands of the house of Este, and in 1598 Pope Clement VIII. obtained the sovereignty. The French under Masséna took Ferrara in 1796; but it was restored to the pope in 1814. An Austrian garrison held it from 1849; it retired in June, 1859, and the people rose and declared for annexation to Sardinia, which was accomplished in March, 1860.
Ferrara.A sword of excellent temper, made of steel from Ferrara, Italy. The kind most prized was manufactured by Andrea di Ferrara; hence such a sword was often called an Andrea-Ferrara.
Ferries, Rope.SeePontons.
Ferrol.A seaport town of Spain, province of Corunna, and an important naval station. This place was unsuccessfully attacked by the British in August, 1800. Marshal Soult captured Ferrol, January 27, 1809.
Ferry.A water conveyance made use of to cross a river, or branch of the sea.
Fetter.To put fetters upon; to shackle or confine the feet with a chain; to bind; to enchain. Deserters are sometimes fettered while undergoing punishment for the crime of desertion.
Feu-de-joie.A salute fired by musketry on occasions of public rejoicing, so that it should pass from man to man rapidly and steadily, down one rank and up the other, giving one long continuous sound.
Feu Rasant(Fr.). A grazing fire, or a discharge of musketry or cannon, so directed that the balls shall run parallel with the ground they fly over, within 3 or 4 feet of the surface.
Feud.A contention or quarrel; especially an inveterate strife between families, clans, or parties in a state; deadly hatred; contention satisfied only by bloodshed.
Feudal.Consisting of, or founded upon, feuds or fiefs; embracing tenures by military system; as, the feudal system.
Fez.A red cap without a brim, worn by Turkish soldiers and others.
Fez.A city of Morocco, Africa; it was founded by Edris, a descendant of Mohammed, about 787; was long capital of the kingdom of Fez. After long-continued struggles it was annexed to Morocco about 1550.
Fichant.In fortification, said of flanking fire which impinges on the face it defends; that is, of a line of defense where the angle of defense is less than a right angle.
Fidenæ.An ancient city of Latium, on the left bank of the Tiber, 5 miles from Rome. The proximity of the two cities brought them early into collision, and we find that Fidenæ was engaged in successive wars with the early Roman kings. After the expulsion of the Tarquins Fidenæ entered into a league with the Sabines and Latins to effect their restoration, but the attempt proved abortive, and, deserted by their allies, the Fidenates were compelled to surrender to the Roman arms. The city afterwards continued its struggles against Rome, but without success, and, though there is no record of its destruction, it had dwindled into an insignificant village before the close of the Roman republic.
Fidentia(nowBargo S. Domingo). A town in Cisalpine Gaul, on the Via Æmilia, between Parma and Placentia, memorable for the victory which Sulla’s generals gained over Carbo, 82B.C.
Fief.An estate held of a superior on condition of military service; a fee; a feud.
Field.A cleared space or plain where a battle is fought; also, the battle itself.To take the fieldmeans to commence active operations against an enemy.
Field.In heraldry, the surface of a shield; hence, any blank space or ground on which figures are drawn or projected.
Field Allowance.In the British service, is an allowance granted to officers in camp at home, or on a campaign, to enable them to repay themselves the expense of purchasing camp equipage, bat-horses, etc. It is divided into ordinary and extraordinary field allowance, the former being granted in time of peace, the latter in that of war.
Field Artillery.That portion of the artillery which is used in the field. In the U. S. army the 3-and 31⁄2-inch rifle guns, Gatling, and 12-pounder smooth-bore, constitute the field artillery. SeeArtillery.
Field-battery.Is a certain number of pieces of artillery so equipped as to be available for attack or defense, and capable of accompanying cavalry or infantry in all their movements in the field. There are allotted to a field-battery 4 pieces in time of peace and 6 in time of war, and it is divided intomounted artillery, which usually serves with infantry, andhorse artillery, which ordinarily serves with cavalry. The main difference between the two consists in the cannoneers of the latter being mounted; in rapid evolutions of the former they are conveyed on the gun-carriages. SeeArtillery.
Field-bed.A folding bed used by officers while on campaigns or in the field.
Field-carriage.Field-gun carriages consist of two short cheeks of wood, bolted upon a stock and wooden axle-body, in a recess which fits the iron axle on which the wheels are placed. The stock terminates in atrailandtrail-platewhich rests on the ground, and has on the end a strong ring called thelunette, which is placed on the pintle-hook when the piece is limbered. In the stock is placed an elevating screw-box of bronze in which the elevating screw fits. They have alsolimbers(which see).
Field-colors.Small flags of about a foot and a half square, carried along with troops for marking out the ground for the squadrons and battalions; camp-colors.
Field-day.A term used when a regiment is taken out to the field, for the purpose of being instructed in the field exercise and evolutions.
Fielded.Being in the field of battle; encamped. This term is now obsolete.
Field-equipage.Military apparatus for field service.
Field Forge.SeeForge.
Field-glass.A binocular telescope, used by officers in field service.
Field-gun.A small kind of gun, or cannon, used on the battle-field; a field-piece.
Field-Marshal(Mareschal,Feldmarschall,Feldzeugmeister). The commander of an army; a military officer of high rank in France, Germany, and other nations, and the highest military officer in England. Formerly a captain-general was occasionally appointed, who had rank higher even than a field-marshal.
Field-officer.Is a colonel, lieutenant-colonel, or major of a battalion or regiment, as distinguished from general officers, who are superior to field-officers in rank; from line-officers, who are inferior; and from staff-officers, general or regimental, who may be of rank superior, equivalent, or inferior to that of field-officers.
Field-officer’s Court.In the U. S. service, a court-martial consisting of one field-officer empowered to try cases, subject to jurisdiction of garrison and regimental courts, takes the place of the latter courts in time of war, but cannot be held in time of peace.
Field of the Cloth of Gold.A name given to an open plain between Ardres and Guisnes, where Henry VIII. of England had an interview in 1520 with Francis I. of France. The nobility of both kingdoms embraced the opportunity to display their magnificence with the utmost emulation and profusion of expense.
Field-park.The spare carriages, reserved supplies of ammunition, tools, and materials for extensive repairs and for making up ammunition, for the service of an army in the field, form the field-park, to which should be attached also the batteries of reserve.
Field-piece.A small cannon which is carried along with armies, and used in the field of battle.
Field Service.Service performed by troops in the field.
Field-staff.A staff formerly carried by gunners in the field, and holding lighted matches for discharging cannon. It is no longer used.
Field Telegraph.SeeTelegraph, Field.
Field-train.In the British service, a department of the Royal Artillery, consisting of commissaries and conductors of stores, responsible for the safe custody of the ammunition, for the formation of proper depots of shot, etc., between the front and the base of operations, and that a due proportion shall be constantly at the service of each gun during an engagement.
Field-works.Are intrenchments and other temporary fortifications thrown up by an army in the field, either as a protection from the onslaught of a hostile force, or to cover an attack upon some stronghold. All works which do not come under the head of permanent fortification are called field-works.
Fiesole(anc.Faesulæ). One of the most ancient Etruscan cities, situated about 3 miles from Florence. This city was first mentioned in 225B.C.during the great Gaulish war. Hannibal encamped here after crossing the Apennines. The city was next destroyed by Sulla in the Social war (90-89B.C.), who afterwards dispatched thither a military colony. About the beginning of the 11th century, it was destroyed by the Florentines, and many of its inhabitants compelled to remove to the city of Florence.
Fife.A wooden wind instrument, which is used with the snare-drum for playing military music. The music is produced by blowing through a hole in a reed or tube, while the escape of air is regulated by the fingers stopping or opening a number of other holes in different parts of the pipe.
Fife-Major.The chief or superintendent of the fifers of a regiment.
Fifer.One who plays a fife; there is one fifer allowed to each company of infantry in the U. S. army. Fifers are also employed aboard men-of-war, and in the marine corps.
Fight.To strive or contend for victory, in battle or in single combat; to defeat, subdue, or destroy an enemy, either by blows or weapons; to contend in arms;—followed bywithoragainst.
Fight.To carry on, or wage, as a conflict, or battle; to win or gain by struggle, as one’s way; to sustain by fighting, as a cause. To contend with in battle; to war against, as, they fought the enemy in two pitched battles. To cause to fight; manage or manœuvre in a fight.
Fight.A battle; an engagement; a contest in arms; a struggle for victory, either between individuals or between armies,ships, or navies. A duel is called a single fight or combat.
Fighter.One who fights; a combatant; a warrior.
Fighting.Qualified for war; fit for battle; as, “A host of fighting men.” Also, occupied in war; being the scene of war; as, a fighting field.
Fight, Running.That in which the enemy is continually chased.
Figueras.A town in the northeast of Spain, province of Gerona. On a height near the town is the citadel of San Fernando, the strongest fortress of Spain, and the key of the Pyrenees on their south side. It has accommodation for 2000 men.
Figure.In fortification, the plan of any fortified place, or the interior polygon. Of this there are two sorts, regular and irregular; a regular figure is that where the sides and angles are equal; an irregular one where they are unequal.
File.A line of soldiers drawn up behind each other, in contradistinction to rank, which refers to men standing beside one another. The general term means two soldiers, consisting of the front and rear rank men. Tofileis to advance to or from any given points by files; as, to file to the front, etc. Tofile off, or todefile, is to wheel off by files from moving in a spacious front, and march in length.Flank file, is the extreme file on the right or left of a squadron or troop, battalion or company, etc.Indian files, a line of men advancing or retreating from either of the flanks, from the centre or from any proportion of a line in succession to one another.
File Firing.Firing by files.
File-leader.Is the soldier placed in front of any file, or the man who is to cover all those who stand directly in the rear of him, and by whom they are to be guided in all their movements.
Filibuster.A lawless military adventurer, especially one in quest of plunder; a freebooter; a pirate; applied especially to the followers of Lopez in his expedition to Cuba in 1851.
Filings.Are movements to the front, rear, or flanks by files.
Fillet.A molding used on cannon of old pattern.
Fillibeg, orFilibeg. A little plaid; a kilt or dress reaching nearly to the knees, worn in the Highlands of Scotland, and by the soldiers of Highland regiments in the British service.
Fillibuster.SeeFilibuster.
Final Velocity.In gunnery, is the technical term for the uniform velocity which a projectile would acquire in falling through an indefinite height in the air. A body falling invacuois uniformly accelerated, its velocity being continually increased. In the atmosphere the case is different. Since the resistance of the air increases with some power of the velocity greater than the square, it follows that at some point in the descent the retardation becomes equal to the acceleration, and the body will move with uniform velocity. This is called “final velocity,” and is one of the most important elements in the theory of projectiles. Every projectile has its own “final velocity.” Other things being equal, that projectile is best which has the greatest “final velocity.” The “final velocity” of a given projectile will depend upon its weight on the one hand, and the extent of surface and the way it is presented to the air on the other. The extent and form of the surface directly opposed to the action of the air will largely determine the resistance. The best form, as determined by the experiments of Borda, is theogival. The resistance, other things being the same, may be taken as proportional to the area of greatest cross-section. The weight in spherical projectiles is proportional to the cube of this dimension. It follows from these general principles that large projectiles are better than small, dense better than light, solid better than hollow, in regard to their final velocities; moreover, that oblong projectiles are better than spherical, ogival-headed oblong better than flat-headed, and long rifle projectiles better than short, in the same regard.
Finding.Before a court-martial deliberates upon the judgment, the judge-advocate reads over the whole proceedings of the court; he then collects the votes of each member, beginning with the youngest. The best mode of doing so is by slips of paper. The Articles of War require a majority in all cases, and in cases of sentence of death two-thirds. It is not necessary to find ageneralverdict of guilt or acquittal upon the whole of every charge. The court may find the prisoner guilty of part of a charge, and acquit him of the remainder, and render sentence according to their finding. This is aspecialverdict.
Finland.A Russian grand duchy; in the middle of the 12th century was conquered by the Swedes, who introduced Christianity. It was several times conquered by the Russians (1714, 1742, and 1808), and restored (1721 and 1743); but in 1809 they retained it by treaty.
Fire.In the art of war, a word of command to soldiers of all denominations to discharge their fire-arms, cannon, etc. It likewise expresses a general discharge against an enemy. To be “under fire” means to be exposed to the attack of an enemy by cannonade or fusilade. The fire in artillery may be either direct, ricochet, rolling, plunging, horizontal, or vertical, according to the nature of the projectile and the angle of elevation. A fire is said to bedirect, when the projectile hits the object without striking any intermediate one;ricochet, when the projectile strikes the ground or water under a small angle of fall, penetrates obliquely to a certain distance, and is then reflected at an angle greater than the angle of fall. This action may recur frequently, depending,as it does, on the nature of the surface struck, the initial velocity, shape, size, and density of the projectile, and on the angle of fall. It is employed in siege-works to attain the face of a work in flank, or in reverse; and in the field, or on water, when the object is large, and the distance is not accurately known. The character of ricochet fire is determined by the angle of fall. It isflattenedwhen this angle does not exceed 4°, andcurvatedwhen the angle is between 6° and 15°. Against troops the angle of fall should not exceed 3°. A particular kind of ricochet fire calledrollingis produced by placing the axis of the piece parallel, or nearly so, with the ground. It was formerly much used when the conditions were favorable in the field service, where it was very effective, as the projectile never passes at a greater distance above the ground than the muzzle of the piece. The projectile was solid round shot; rifled projectiles are unsuited to this kind of fire. When the object is situated below the piece, the fire is said to beplunging. This kind of fire is particularly effective against the decks of vessels. Under low angles of elevation the fire of guns and howitzers is said to behorizontal. The fire of mortars under high angles of elevation is calledvertical.
Fire-alarm.An alarm given of a fire or conflagration. In military barracks or camp, it is sounded on drum or bugle, or the discharge of fire-arms by the guard.
Fire, Angle of.SeePointing.
Fire-arms.Every description of arms charged with powder and ball. See special headings.
Fire-arrow.A small iron dart, furnished with a match impregnated with powder and sulphur, used to fire the sails of ships.
Fire-ball.SeePyrotechny.
Fire-bavin.A bundle of brushwood used in fire-ships.
Fire-bucket.A bucket to convey water for extinguishing fires. To each set of quarters in a garrison there are allotted a certain number of fire-buckets.
Fire-cross.An ancient token in Scotland for the nation to take up arms.
Fire, Curved, orCurvated. SeeFire.
Fire, Direct.SeeFire.
Fire-eater.One notoriously fond of being in action.
Fire, Effects of.SeeProjectiles, Effects of.
Fire, Enfilade.Fire in the direction of the length of a parapet or a line of troops.
Fire-engine.A hydraulic or forcing pump for throwing water to extinguish fires.
Fire, Greek.SeeGreek Fire.
Fire-hoops.A combustible invented by the Knights of Malta to throw among their besiegers, and afterwards used in boarding Turkish galleys.
Fire, Line of.SeePointing.
Firelocks.Were fire-arms formerly used by foot-soldiers; they were so called from their producing fire of themselves, by the action of the flint and steel. They were first made use of in 1690, but it is not ascertained when they were first invented. About the middle of the last century a firelock was called, by military writers,asnapbaan, which being a low Dutch word, seems to indicate its being a Dutch invention.
Fire-master.In the artillery, was a commissioned officer who gave the directions and proportions of all ingredients for each composition required in fireworks, whether for the service of war, or for rejoicings and recreation.
Fire-master’s-mate.In the artillery, a commissioned officer whose duty was to aid and assist the chief fire-master; and he was required to be skilled in every kind of laboratory works.
Fire, Oblique.That which strikes a parapet or a body of troops in a slanting direction.
Fire-pan.A pan for holding or conveying fire; especially, the receptacle for the priming in a gun.
Fire, Plane of.SeePointing.
Fire, Plunging.SeeFire.
Fire-pot.A small earthen pot, into which is put a charged grenade, and over that, powder enough to cover the grenade; the whole covered with a piece of parchment, and two pieces of quick-match across lighted; it breaks and fires the powder, as also the powder in the grenade, which has no fuze, that its operations may be quicker; it burns all that is near it. These are no longer used.
Fire Rasant.Is produced by firing the artillery and small-arms in a line parallel with those parts of the works you are defending.