Kingston.A village and township of Luzerne Co., Pa. In this township the massacre of Wyoming took place, on July 3, 1778. SeeWyoming Valley.
Kingston-upon-Thames.A town in Surrey, England, on the Thames, 10 miles southwest of London. The first armed force of the Parliamentary army assembled in this town, and here the last attempt in favor of Charles I. was made.
Kinsale.A town of Ireland, in the county of Cork. This place was taken by the Spaniards in 1601, and in 1608 King James II. landed here.
Kioge.A seaport of Denmark, near Copenhagen, where the Danes in 1807 were signally defeated by the British.
Kiowas.A warlike and powerful tribe of Indians, who formerly roamed over Kansas, Colorado, and Northern Texas, robbing and murdering settlers. They are now located, to the number of about 2000, with the Comanches, on a reservation in Indian Territory. In 1870, in violation of the terms of their treaty, they made a raid into Texas, where they killed several people. For this two of their principal chiefs, Satantá and Big Tree, were sentenced to be hung; but their sentence was commuted to imprisonment for life, and they were subsequently pardoned. Of late years they have been peaceable.
Kiptchak, orKipchak. A term which, in the Middle Ages, designated that vast territory stretching north of the Caspian Sea, from the Don to Turkestan, and occupied by the Kumans and Polovises. This tract formed one of the four empires into which the huge dominion of Genghis Khan was divided, and was the portion of his eldest son Jûjy, under whose son and successor, Batû Khan, it became the terror of Western Europe, and held Russia in iron subjection from 1236 till 1362. Batû also conquered Bulgaria, and invaded Hungary, Austria, and Eastern Germany, but made no permanent conquests in this direction. This extensive empire was dismembered towards the end of the 15th century, and gave rise to the khanates of Kazan, Astrakhan, and Crim-Tartary. The Mongols of Kiptchak were also known as the Golden Horde.
Kirkee.A village of Hindostan, near Poona, in the Deccan, memorable for a battle fought there in 1817 between the Anglo-Indian forces and the Mahrattas, who, although greatly superior in number, were compelled to retreat with severe loss.
Kisselbaches.Soldiers are so called in India.
Kissingen.A town of Bavaria, on the Saale, 30 miles north-northeast of Würzburg. It was taken by storm on July 10, 1866, after a severe engagement between the Bavarians and Prussians, in which the latter were victorious.
Kit.A small wooden pail or bucket, wherewith boats are bailed out.
Kit.In military language, the equipment in necessaries, such as shirts, boots, brushes, etc., of a soldier, but not applicable to his uniform, arms, or accoutrements.
Kitchen.The building or room used by soldiers for cooking purposes.
Klagenfurth, orClagenfurt. A town of Austria, the capital of the duchy of Carinthia, on the Glan. In 1809 the French entered this place, and destroyed the fortifications which surrounded it.
Klamaths, orClamets. A tribe of Northern California Indians, who lived in Southern Oregon and Northern California, near Klamath Lake, and on Klamath and Rogue Rivers. They are generally peaceable, and number about 700. They are now located on a reservation, and have an agency in Southern Oregon known by their name.
Klicket.A small gate in a palisade for the purpose of sallying forth.
Kliketats, orKliktats. A tribe of Indians who resided in Washington Territory, in the country between the Cascade Range and the Columbia River, north of the Dalles. They were reduced to complete subjection in 1855, and are now located with kindred tribes to the number of about 4000, on the Yakima reservation, Washington Territory.
Klinket.A term used in fortification, signifying a small postern or gate in a palisade.
Knapsack.A bag of canvas or skin, containing a soldier’s necessaries, and worn suspended by straps between his shoulders. Those used in the British army are ordinarily of black painted canvas, but a new sort of knapsack, called the valise equipment, has been issued to some regiments. Some other nations, as the Swiss, make them of thick goat-skin, dressed with the hair on.
Knight.From the Saxoncniht, a servant or attendant, was originally a man-at-arms bound to the performance of certain duties, among others to attend his sovereign or feudal superior on horseback in time of war. The institution of knighthood, as conferred by investiture, and with certain oaths and ceremonies, arose gradually throughout Europe as an adjunct of the feudal system. The character of the knight was at once military and religious; the defense of the Holy Sepulchre and the protection of pilgrims being the objects to which, in early times of the institution, he especially devoted himself The system of knight-service introduced into England by William the Conqueror empowered the king, or even a superior lord who was a subject, to compel every holder of a certain extent of land, called a knight’s fee, to become a member of the knightly order; his investiture being accounted proof that he possessed the requisite knightly arms, and was sufficiently trained in their use. After the long war between France and England, it became the practice for the sovereign to receive money compensations from subjects who were unwilling to receive knighthood, a system out of which grew a series of grievances, leadingeventually to the total abolition of knight-service in the reign of Charles II. Since the abolition of knight-service, knighthood has been conferred, without any regard to property, as a mark of the sovereign’s esteem, or a reward for services of any kind, civil or military. The ceremonies practiced in conferring knighthood have varied at different periods. In general, some religious ceremonies were performed, the sword and spurs were bound on the candidate; after which a blow was dealt him on the cheek or shoulder, as the last affront which he was to receive unrequited. He then took an oath to protect the distressed, maintain right against might, and never by word or deed to stain his character as a knight and a Christian. A knight might be degraded for the infringement of any part of his oath, in which case his spurs were chopped off with a hatchet, his sword was broken, his escutcheon reversed, and some religious observances were added, during which each piece of armor was taken off in succession, and cast from the recreant knight. For the different orders of knighthood, see separate articles, under their appropriate headings, in this work.
Knight, To.To dub or create a knight, which in modern times is done by the sovereign, who gives the person kneeling a blow with a sword, and says, “Rise, Sir ——.”
Knight Baronet, orBaronet. A dignity or degree of honor next below a baron and above a knight, having precedency of all orders of knights except those of the garter, and being the only knighthood that is hereditary. The order was founded by James I. in 1611, and is given by patent. The word, however, in the sense oflesserbaron, was in use long before the time of James I.
Knightage.The body of knights taken collectively.
Knight-bachelor.One of the lowest order of knights, who were expected to remain unmarried until they had gained some renown by their achievements.
Knight-banneret.A knight who carried a banner, who possessed fiefs to a greater amount than the knight-bachelor, and who was obliged to serve in war with a greater number of attendants. He was created by the sovereign in person on the field of battle.
Knight-errant.A wandering knight; a knight who traveled in search of adventures, for the purpose of exhibiting military skill, prowess, and generosity.
Knight-errantry.The practice of wandering in quest of adventures; the manners of wandering knights; a quixotic or romantic adventure or scheme.
Knight-erratic.Pertaining to knight-errantry.
Knighthood.Originally a military distinction, came, in the 16th century, to be occasionally conferred on civilians, as a reward for valuable services rendered to the crown or community. The first civil knight in England was Sir William Walworth, lord mayor of London, who won that distinction by slaying the rebel Wat Tyler in presence of the king. In recent times, it has been bestowed at least as often on scholars, lawyers, artists, or citizens, as on soldiers, and in many cases for no weightier service than carrying a congratulatory address to court.
Knighthood.The character, dignity, or condition of a knight.
Knightliness.Duties of a knight.
Knightly.Pertaining to a knight; becoming a knight; as, a knightly combat.
Knights, Military.An institution of military knights at Windsor, England, formerly called “Poor Knights,” which owes its origin to Edward III., and is a provision for a limited number of old officers. These officers consist of a governor and 12 knights on the upper foundation, and 5 on the lower, together 18, and are composed of officers selected from every grade, from a colonel to a subaltern, chiefly veterans, or on half-pay. They are allowed three rooms each in Windsor Palace, and 2 shillings per diem for their sustenance, besides other small allowances.
Knights of St. George.SeeGarter, Order of the.
Knights Templar.SeeTemplar, Knights.
Knight-service.A tenure of lands held by knights on condition of performing military service. It was abolished in the time of Charles II. of England.
Knob of a Cascabel.SeeCascabel.
Knot.A twist or loop in a rope or cord, so made that the motion of one piece of the line over the other shall be stopped. The knot owes its power of passive resistance to the friction of the rope. The three elementary knots, which every one should know, are thetimber-hitch, thebow-line, and theclove-hitch.
The virtues of thetimber-hitchare, that, so long as the strain upon it is kept up, it will never give; when the strain is taken off, it is cast loose immediately.
Thebow-linemakes a knot difficult to undo; with it the ends of two strings are tied together, or a loop made at the end of a single piece of string. For slip nooses, use the bowline to make the draw-loop.
Theclove-hitchbinds with excessive force, and by it, and it alone, can a weight be hung to a smooth pole, as to a tent-pole. A kind of double clove-hitch is generally used, but the simple one suffices, and is more easily recollected.
There are other knots very useful in the artillery service and indispensable aboard ship, viz.:single knot,weaver’s knot,figure-eight knot,artificer’s knot,mooring knots,hitches,capstan, orprolonge knot,square knot,loops,becker knot, andanchor knot.
Knot, Shoulder-. SeeShoulder-knot.
Knout.A scourge composed of many thongs of skin, plaited, and interwoven with wire, which was till lately the favorite instrument of punishment in Russia for all classes and degrees of criminals. The offenderwas tied to two stakes, stripped, and received on the back the specified number of lashes; 100 or 120 were equivalent to sentence of death, but in many cases the victim died under the operation long before this number was completed. This punishment is at present only inflicted upon ordinary criminals, such as incendiaries or assassins. It is no longer in use in the army, except when a soldier is dismissed for ill conduct, in which case 3 to 10 lashes are given, in order to disgrace the soldier, rather than punish him.
Kolin.A town of Bohemia, on the left bank of the Elbe. Here the Austrians under Daun defeated the Prussians under Frederick the Great, June 18, 1757.
Koloshes.The Russian name for the Indians of the coast of Alaska.
Komorn.SeeComorn.
Koniagas, orKadiaks. The names by which the various tribes of aborigines living along the coast of Alaska for over 1500 miles, are known.
Konieh(anc.Iconium). A town of Asiatic Turkey, the capital of the province of Karamania, Asia Minor. Here the Turkish army was defeated by the pasha of Egypt, after a long, sanguinary fight, December 21, 1832. SeeIconium.
Königgrätz.A town and fortress of Bohemia, on the left bank of the Elbe. On July 2, 1866, the Austrians under Gen. Benedek were signally defeated with a loss of 40,000 men by the Prussians under King William, at Sadowa, near Königgrätz.
Königsberg.A fortified city of Prussia, and former capital of the kingdom, is situated on both banks of the Pregel, and on an island in that river, 4 miles from its entrance into the Frisch Haff. It was founded in 1255, and in 1365 became a member of the Hanseatic League; in 1626, it was surrounded with walls; and in 1657, received a strong additional defense in the citadel of Friedrichsburg. It suffered much during the Seven Years’ War by the occupation of the Russians from 1758 to 1764; and also from the French, who entered it in 1807, after the battle of Friedland.
Königstein.A town of Germany, in Saxony, 17 miles southeast of Dresden, on the left bank of the Elbe. It has a fortress, situated on a rock nearly 450 feet high, which is one of the few in Europe that never yet were taken. The royal treasures have usually been deposited here during war.
Koom, orKum. A town of Persia, in the province of Irak-Ajemee. It was destroyed by the Afghans in 1722.
Kootenais,Kontenays,Cottonois,Coutanies, orFlatbows. A tribe of Indians who formerly resided wholly in British Columbia, but some of them are now located in Washington, Idaho, and Montana Territories. They are generally peaceable and self-supporting, and have made some progress in civilization. About 400 of them reside at the Flathead Agency, Montana.
Koreish.An Arab tribe which had the charge of the Caaba, or sacred stone of Mecca, and strenuously opposed the pretensions of Mohammed. It was defeated by him and his adherents, 623-30.
Kossacks.SeeCossacks.
Kossova.A town of European Turkey, 8 miles northeast from Pristina. A battle was fought near this place in 1389 between the Turks and Serbs. The latter were defeated, and the king slain.
Koszegh, orGuns. SeeGuns.
Kotah.The chief town of a protected state of the same name; is situated in Rajpootana, India, on the right bank of the Chumbul. In 1857, notwithstanding the fidelity of the rajah to the British government, Kotah fell under the power of the mutineers, remaining in their possession until March 30, 1858, when it was stormed by Gen. Roberts.
Kot-duffadar.SeeDuffadar, Kot.
Koul.A soldier belonging to a noble corps in Persia.
Kouler-Agasi.A distinguished military character in Persia, who has the command of a body of men calledKouls. He is usually governor of a considerable province.
Kouls.The third corps of the king of Persia’s household troops. The Kouls are men of note and rank; no person can arrive at any considerable post or situation in Persia who has not served among the Kouls.
Kovno.Capital of the government of the same name in European Russia, near the confluence of the Vilia and the Niemen, was founded in the 10th century, and was the scene of many bloody conflicts between the Teutonic knights and Poles during the 14th and 15th centuries.
Kraal(probably from the language of the Hottentots). In South Africa, a village; a collection of huts; sometimes a single hut. This term is applied to the villages and military camps of the Zulus.
Krasnoe.A Russian village, 30 miles southwest of Smolensk, near which the French, in the retreat of 1812, lost, during three successive days, 25,000 men, several thousand prisoners, and 25 pieces of cannon.
Kreuznach.A town of Rhenish Prussia, on the Nahe, 40 miles south-southeast of Coblentz. This place was stormed by Gustavus Adolphus in 1632.
Kris, orCrease. A dagger or poniard, the universal weapon of the inhabitants of the Malayan Archipelago. It is made of many different forms, short or long, straight or crooked. The hilt and scabbard are often much ornamented. Men of all ranks wear this weapon; and those of high rank, when in full dress, sometimes carry three or four. In Java women sometimes wear it.
Krupp Gun.The metal used in these celebrated guns is cast steel, a composition of puddled steel and wrought iron. The wrought iron is obtained from the best hematite ores of Europe, the puddled steel from the spathic ore of Siegen, in the immediatevicinity of the works. The proportions of each metal, the details of their preparation, as well as certain ingredients guessed at but not known, remain a secret with the manufacturers. Manganese in small quantity is supposed to be present and to exercise an important influence. The result is a metal equal in elasticity and tensile strength to the best English steel, the excellent quality of which is largely due to “oil tempering,” a process entirely omitted in the Krupp gun. The ingots forming the different parts of the gun are cast in cylindrical iron molds, an operation requiring the greatest care to prevent the imprisonment of air or other gases in the casting,—a defect which the tenacious character of the metal renders fatal. Subsequent hammering only increases the trouble by involving a larger area. As soon as the ingot is hard enough to permit handling it is removed from the mold and cooled slowly in ashes. It is next brought to a working heat in a furnace, placed under a steam-hammer weighing from 1 to 50 tons, according to the size of the ingot, and drawn out to the required length and thickness, when it is again buried in ashes and gradually annealed to remove the tensions induced by hammering. From the rough ingot thus prepared the tube forming the barrel is made directly by boring, turning, and rifling. The ingots intended for hoops, trunnion bands, etc., are cut up into short lengths, which are formed into rings without weld by being split through the centre within a certain distance of the ends, after which the slit is gradually widened to a circle by swaging. The parts when finished are carefully annealed.
The Krupp gun consists of a central tube or barrel, comprising the greater mass of the gun, and a series of encircling hoops. The tube has a thickness of about eight-tenths of the caliber from a point over the front of the charge to the termination of the rings or hoops, whence it is conical, tapering to a thickness of about half the caliber at the muzzle. From the seat of the charge breech-wards the tube thickens rapidly by a series of steps to a cylinder about 11⁄5calibers thick. The hoops overlie the tube from the cylinder in rear to the base of the cone in front, covering about half the total length of the tube. The hoops are put on in layers, the number of layers being determined by the size of the gun. The 6-inch gun has one, the 8- and 9-inch two, and the higher calibers have three layers of hoops. The hoops are shrunk on at black heat, the different layers being held in place by small key-rings.
The rifling for Krupp guns is polygrooved, the twist uniform, the grooves being gradually narrowed towards the muzzle for the suppression of windage. The chamber in which the shot and charge rest is a little larger than the bore, though they coincide at the bottom. This makes the passage of the projectile into the bore direct and prevents the abrasion which would occur if tilted upwards in leaving its seat. Moreover, the shot is “centred”—that is, has its axis in the axis of the bore—from its entry into the gun.
The breech-mechanism is essentially that of Broadwell. The breech is closed on the “sliding block” principle. Through the cylindrical part of thebarrelin rear of the rings, from one side to the other, a slot is cut in which the breech-block slides horizontally, alternately exposing and closing the rear of the chamber. The block is run in and out by an attached screw, which works partly in the upper wall of the slot. The motion of the block is governed by guides in the upper and lower walls of the slot slightly inclined from the perpendicular to the axis of the piece. The rear of the slot is so cut that the block is wedged firmly against it when it is home. The block is locked in this position by a large screw, which catches in certain threads cut on the rear wall of the slot. The block is furnished with an “indurator plate,” a disk of hardened steel, which is set in its face to receive the direct action of the powder gases. The vent is in the axis of the gun through the block. The gas-check used is theBroadwell ring(which see). The powder for all the large guns is theprismatic. (SeeGunpowder.) Both steel and cast-iron projectiles are used. The steel projectiles for armor piercing have their points water-tempered. Rotation being communicated by compression, the projectiles belong to the soft-jacketed class. The projectile is turned smooth in a lathe, pickled in dilute acid, and then put in sal-ammoniac to remove oil. It is next galvanized by immersion in molten zinc, then immersed in lead, and afterwards a heavy lead jacket is cast on it, which is turned down, leaving several prominent rings to facilitate compression into the grooves. In late years Herr Krupp has adopted for his large guns the American system of projectiles, having soft metal expanding sabots attached to the base, with a centring ring in front.
Krupp guns range in size from small field-pieces to a gun weighing 72 tons. The field pieces manufactured number several thousand. They form the official equipment of the German army, and contributed much to German success in the Franco-Prussian war. The large guns, comprising 6-, 7-, 8-, 9-, 10-, 11-, and 12-inch guns, have been made in large numbers, and have found a ready sale in Germany, Russia, and Turkey.
The largest guns are a 14-inch gun weighing 56 tons, and a 153⁄4-inch weighing 72 tons. (SeeCannon.) Herr Krupp is also a large manufacturer of gun-carriages of all kinds. His partiality for steel has led him to use it almost exclusively in his constructions. He has inherited likewise the aversion of the great Borsig forwelding; and a noticeable feature of his guns is an absence of anyweld. The “coil” principle, so well adapted to develop tangential strength, is also omitted,the character of the metal being relied upon to resist strains “across the grain.”
Perhaps the most novel piece of ordnance of modern times is Krupp’snon-recoiling shield gun. This gun is made with an enlargement around the muzzle in the shape of a large ball, which is held in a socket formed in a heavy armored shield protecting the gun in front, the arrangement giving a veritable ball-and-socket joint, about which the gun is elevated and traversed. On shipboard or in a fortification the shield would form a part of the armor or scarp wall. A narrow slit above the ball is used in pointing by the gunner, who for this purpose sits astride of the gun. The problem solved by this unique arrangement is the entire suppression of recoil, the strain being absorbed by the massive shield. In the late experiments at Mappen, 1879, the triumphs of Krupp guns culminated in the performances of this novel piece of ordnance. Its action was satisfactory in every respect, and so slight was the shock communicated to the gun that the gunner did not deem it necessary to dismount, but kept his seat astride of it during the firing.
Krupp’s Steel Works.On account of the wide-spread reputation which the steel produced in the great works of Krupp at Essen, in Rhenish Prussia, has obtained, it is necessary that these works should receive a brief notice. They were founded by Friedrich Krupp in 1810, and were continued by his sons after his death in 1826. For the last fifty years they have been increasing annually from one-sixth to one-third in size, until now they cover about 500 acres, and give employment to about 20,000 persons, including those engaged in building, and in the mines and smelting-houses. For large metallurgical works Essen is favorably situated, being in the centre of a coal-bearing area, where coal of the best quality can be procured cheaply, and near mines of manganiferous iron ore, which has been found excellently adapted for the manufacture of steel; but it is believed that the admirable organization of every part of his manufactory has conduced as much as anything to the great success of Krupp. The articles manufactured consist principally of rails, tires, crank-axles, shafts, mining pump-rods, gun-carriages and guns, the proportion of ordnance being about two-fifths of the whole. Guns have been made at Essen for the Prussians, Austrians, Belgians, Dutch, Italians, Turks, Japanese, and also for the English, although not directly ordered by the government. Since 1872 a field-gun invented by Krupp has been adopted by the Prussian government, and supplied to the whole army. The establishment possesses 286 steam-engines from 2 to 1000 horse-power, 1100 furnaces of various kinds, 71 steam-hammers, 264 smith’s forges, 275 coke-ovens, and 1056 planing, cutting, and boring machines. It burns over 1000 tons of coal daily, and has over 11,000 gas-burners, consuming in twenty-four hours 400,000 cubic feet of gas. It has, besides, a complete telegraph system, 800 cars, 15 locomotives, 33 miles of railway, over 3000 dwelling-houses, hospitals, chemical laboratory, a photographic and lithographic establishment, over 400 mines, 11 blast-furnaces and several smelting-houses which produce annually about 20,000 tons of pig-iron. These works have already produced over 18,000 heavy guns.
Kshatriya.The second or military caste in the social system of the Brahmanical Hindus.
Ku-Klux-Klan.A secret organization of ex-Confederate soldiers, who, for several years after the close of the civil war, by their murders and other crimes disturbed the tranquillity of the Southern States. Their victims were chiefly freedmen, and persons suspected of favoring the policy of the government. Stringent measures were taken against them by Congress in 1871, and they soon after ceased their disturbances.
Kul.The Turkish word for slave to the Prince. The grand vizier, the bachas, the beiglerbeys, and all persons who receive pay or subsistence from situations dependent upon the crown, are so called. This title is in high estimation among the Turkish military, as it authorizes all who are invested with it to insult, strike, and otherwise ill use the common people, without being responsible for the most flagrant breach of humanity.
Kulm.A small village of Bohemia, 16 miles north-northwest of Leitmeritz, was the scene of two bloody conflicts between the French and allied Russian-Austrian armies on August 29-30, 1813. The French, numbering 30,000 men, were commanded by Gen. Vandamme; the Russians, during the first day’s conflict, were 17,000, and were commanded by Gen. Ostermann-Tolstoi. During the night, the latter were heavily reinforced, and on the second day Barclay de Tolly assumed the command with 60,000 troops. The result was the complete wreck of the French army, which lost in these two days little short of 20,000 men, while the allies did not lose half of that number.
Kunnersdorf.SeeCunnersdorf.
Kunobitza.In the Balkan, where John Hunniades, the Hungarian, defeated the Turks, December 24, 1443.
Kupele.Straits so called in India, through which the Ganges disembogues itself into Hindustan. They are distant from Delhi about 30 leagues. It was at these straits that the East Indians made some show of resistance when the famous Tamerlane (Timur) invaded India. The field of this victory is the most distant point of that emperor’s conquest in India, and on the globe.
Kurrol(Ind.). The advanced-guard of a main army.
Kurtchi.A militia is so called in Persia. It consists of one body of cavalry, which is composed of the first nobility of the kingdom, and of the lineal descendants of theTurkish conquerors, who placed Ismael Sophi on the throne. They wear a red turban of twelve folds, which is made of particular stuff. This turban was originally given them by Ismael, in consideration of their attachment to the religion and family of Ali. In consequence of their wearing this turban, the Persians are always called by the Turkskitilbaschi, or red-heads. The Kurtchi form a body of nearly 18,000 men.
Kurtchi-baschi.The chief or commanding officer of the Kurtchi. This was formerly the most distinguished situation in the kingdom, and the authority annexed to it was equal to what the constable of France originally possessed. At present his power does not extend beyond the Kurtchis.
Kush-bash(Ind.). Persons who enjoy lands rent free, upon condition of serving the government in a military capacity when called upon.
Kustrin, orCustrin. A fortified town of Prussia, in the province of Brandenburg, at the union of the Wartha with the Oder, 48 miles east from Berlin. In 1758 it was bombarded by the Russians, and in 1806 taken by the French. It has a large powder-magazine.
Kutchin.A family of Alaska Indians, which is divided into a number of petty tribes, who occupy the valley of the Yukon River.
Kyanizing.A process for preserving timber from decay,—so named from the inventor Kyan. The process consists in saturating the wood with a solution of corrosive sublimate.
Kythul.A town of India, and the capital of a district of the same name. The district fell into the possession of the British in 1843, from the failure of heirs to the last rajah.
Labarum.A military standard of the Roman empire. It consisted of a long lance crossed at right angles near the top by a staff, from which hung a small flag or streamer of purple cloth inwrought with gold and precious stones, and bearing the effigy of the emperor. Constantine the Great, when he embraced Christianity, substituted for that device a crown, a cross, and the initial letters of the name of Christ, and made it the imperial standard.
Labeates.A warlike people in Dalmatia, whose chief town was Scodra, and in whose territory was the Labeatis Palus (now Lake of Scutari), through which the river Barbana (now Bogana) runs.
Label,Lambel, orFile. In heraldry, is the mark of cadency which distinguishes the eldest son in his father’s lifetime. It consists of a horizontal stripe or fillet, with three points depending from it. When the mark of cadency itself is designated afile, its points are calledlabels.
Labicum,Labici,Lavicum,Lavici(nowColonna). An ancient town in Latium, on one of the hills of the Alban Mountain, 15 miles southeast from Rome. It was an ally of the Æqui; taken and colonized by the Romans, 418B.C.
Laboratory.A department which is intrusted with the manufacture of combustible and other substances for military purposes, such as blank and ball cartridges for small-arms, cartridges for every description of ordnance, rockets, and all stores of similar character. This department is likewise intrusted with the conservation, packing, restoring, and supply of all gunpowder to the several military and naval departments, and in the British service is under the management of officers of the royal artillery especially appointed to that duty; in the U. S. service it is under the officers of the ordnance department. In the latter service officers of artillery, as well as non-commissioned officers and privates, are instructed at the artillery school, Fort Monroe, Va., in laboratory duties, and carefully taught the manipulation and manufacture of laboratory stores. At the West Point Military Academy, the cadets are thoroughly instructed in the above duties, as are also the naval cadets at the Naval Academy, Annapolis, Md. In the British service officers of artillery, as well as non-commissioned officers and gunners, are instructed in laboratory duties. Officers and non-commissioned officers of artillery in Germany, France, and Austria are required to possess a knowledge of the manufacture and care of laboratory stores.
Laboratory, Royal.An extensive military manufacturing department in Woolwich Arsenal, England. Although it has existed for many years, it was only in 1855 that the present very large establishment was organized. Here are foundries for the casting of shot, shell, grape, etc.; apparatus for the manufacture of percussion-caps, which are formed—hundreds at a time—out of the copper sheet; presses where rifle-bullets are squeezed into shape; fuzes in all stages of manufacture; and a thousand other instances of combined ingenuity and power. TheBritish government grants permission to inspect the factory. There are also laboratories—though on a comparatively small scale—at Portsmouth and Davenport, England.
Laboratory Stores.The following are among the laboratory stores used in service:
Thetime-fuze, thepercussion-fuze, and theconcussion-fuze(which see).
Thewooden fuzeconsists of a conical plug of wood of the proper size for the fuze-hole of the shell with which it is to be fired. The axis of this plug is bored out cylindrically from the large, down to within a short distance of the small end, which is left solid. At the large end a cup is hollowed out, and the outside of the plug is divided into inches and parts, generally tenths, commencing at the bottom of the cup. The cylindrical space is filled with composition, pounded hard, and as regularly as possible, and the cup filled with meal powder moistened with whisky or alcohol. The rate of burning is determined by experiment, and marked on a waterproof cap, which is tied over the cup. Knowing the time any shell is to occupy in its flight, the fuze is cut off with a saw at the proper division, and firmly set in the fuze-hole with a fuze-set and mallet. The disadvantage of this fuze is its irregularity, it being very difficult to pound the composition so that equal lengths will burn equal times. The shell may either burst too soon, and a great part of its effect lost, or it may burst after burying itself in the ground, or it may burst after passing the proper point. This irregularity of burning is common to all fuzes where the composition is driven in successive layers in a column which burns in the same direction. This fuze is used with mortar shells. The composition of mortar-fuzes is, nitre 2 parts, sulphur 1 part, and meal powder 3 parts; the quantities of meal powder vary in fuzes for mortars of different calibers. Generally these fuzes are cut before being inserted in the shell; but they are sometimes bored through at the proper positions instead of being sawed. They are also cut obliquely, when the fuze is so long as to render it likely that it will reach the bottom of the shell; for by cutting it perpendicular to the axis, the whole base of the wood might be driven in contact with the bottom of the shell, and prevent the lighted composition from setting fire to the bursting charge.
Thepaper time-fuzeconsists of a cylindrical column of burning composition packed in a paper case, gradually increasing in thickness from its lower to its upper or outer extremity; to insure ignition, it is primed with rifle-powder at the larger end. It is inserted at the time of loading the piece into a brass or wooden plug previously driven into the fuze-hole of the shell. The composition has the same ingredients as gunpowder, the proportions being varied to suit the required rate of combustion; puremealpowder gives the quickest composition; by adding certain proportions of sulphur and nitre, the composition burns more slowly. The rate of burning also depends upon the density of the composition and the purity and thorough mixture of the ingredients. These fuzes vary in length, burning from 4 to 40 seconds; they are graduated in seconds on the outside of the case, and can be cut to a length corresponding to any intermediate time of flight.
Belgian, orBormann-fuze. SeeBormann-Fuze.
TheWright-fuze, a modification of the Bormann-fuze, extends the time of burning to 12 or 14 seconds.
United States sea-coast fuze.The paper case fits in a fuze-plug of bronze instead of wood. It fits the fuze-hole of the shell in the same way as the wooden plug, and is retained by the force of friction. A safety-cap and primer combined have been adopted to prevent ricochets, especially over water, from extinguishing the fuze. A recess in the top, filled with priming composition, is covered until the fuze is required for use, with a disk of lead or paper fitting accurately the opening. The fire is conveyed to the fuze composition through a crooked passage which is filled with priming, and prevents water from entering in sufficient quantity to extinguish the fuze. For security a small leaden plug is placed in the inner end of the fuze-plug, where it remains until it is driven out by the shock of the explosion. When the shell is placed in the piece, nothing more is necessary than to remove the disk which covers the recess in the top.Paper-fuzesare inserted at the moment of loading the gun, and into wooden or brassfuze-plugspreviously driven into the shell.
Port-fireconsists of a small paper case, filled with a highly inflammable but slow-burning composition, the flame of which is very intense and penetrating, and cannot be extinguished by water, it is principally used as an incendiary material in loading shells, and for communicating fire to the priming of guns when proving them.
Port-fire compositionconsists of nitre, sulphur, and meal powder, in different proportions. One kind is composed of nitre, 65 parts; sulphur, 22.5 parts; and meal-powder, 12.5 parts. A port-fire case, 18 inches in length, filled with this composition, burns 10 minutes.
Priming-tubesare small pipes having a cup on one end, and filled with a composition for firing cannon. The tube in general use in the U. S. service is thefriction-primer(which see).
Slow-matchis a slow-burning match prepared from hemp or flax slightly twisted, soaked in strong lye, or in water holding in solution sugar of lead. Cotton rope well twisted forms a good match without any preparation. Slow-match prepared from hemp or flax burns 4 to 5 inches to the hour; it is used principally for the purpose of retaining fire in the shape of a hard-pointedcoal, to be used in firing cannon, fireworks, etc. It was formerly used in field-batteries for lighting the port-fires with which the pieces were discharged; but both are now entirely superseded by the friction-primer.
Quick-matchis a match made of threads of cotton, or cotton-wick, steeped in gummed brandy or whisky, then soaked in a paste of meal powder and gummed spirits, and afterwards strewed over with meal powder; one yard of it burns in the open air 13 seconds. The quick-match is used to fire mortars, and sometimes in proving pieces. It is extensively used in priming all kinds of fireworks, such as fire and light balls, carcasses, rockets, priming-tubes, etc., and in conveying fire very rapidly from one portion of a piece of firework to another. When used for discharging cannon, the quick-match is set fire to by a slow-match, port-fire, or any other convenient material. When used to prime carcasses, etc., it is set on fire by the flame from the piece.
TheValenciennescomposition is a compound of 50 parts of nitre, 28 of sulphur, 18 of antimony, and 6 of rosin; it is used as an incendiary composition, in charging shells for the purpose of increasing their destructive property, by setting fire to buildings, shipping, etc. For manufacture of ammunition for small-arms, see “U. S. Ordnance Memorandum,” No. 21, 1878.
Laborer(Fr.). In a military sense, expresses any direct and concentrated effort which is made to destroy a fortification. It likewise applies to the working of a bomb or shell, which excavates, plows up, and scatters the earth about wherever it bursts.Laborer un rampart, signifies to bring several pieces of ordnance discharged from two oblique directions to bear upon one centre. Shells are generally used on these occasions, and the chief design is to second the operations of the miner in some particular part from which the explosion is to take place.
Labuan Pulo.An island of the Malay Archipelago, lying off the northwest coast of Borneo. The British took possession of this island in 1846, and it was formally ceded to the British crown by the sultan of Borneo in 1848.
Lacandones.A tribe of Indians in Central America, who for more than three centuries maintained a hostile attitude to the Spaniards. They are nominally subject to Guatemala, but are in reality quite independent.
Lacay, orLaquet(Fr.). An old French militia was formerly so called. The name is found among the public documents which were kept by the treasurers belonging to the dukes of Brittany in the 15th century.
Lacerne(Fr.). The short woolen military cloak of the Romans.
Lacheté(Fr.). An opprobrious term which is frequently used among the French, and is applied in all instances of cowardice, want of spirit, or dishonorable conduct.La trahison est une lacheté; treason is infamous in its nature.
Lachish.A city of Southern Palestine. It was taken after a two days’ siege by Joshua, and, in later times, is repeatedly mentioned as a place strongly fortified. After a siege, conducted by Sennacherib in person, it was taken and plundered, with the customary massacre of its inhabitants. It was taken by Nebuchadnezzar at the downfall of the kingdom of Judæa, and was reoccupied by the Jews after the Return.
Lacker.A composition made use of for preserving iron cannon, carriages, shot, etc. The following are the proportional parts of compositions made use of for preserving iron cannon: (1) Pulverized black lead, 12; red lead, 12; litharge, 5; lampblack, 5; linseed oil, 66. This composition is to be boiled gently about twenty minutes, during which time it must be constantly stirred. (2) Ground umber, 3.75; pulverized gum shellac, 3.75; ivory-black, 3.75; litharge, 3.75; linseed oil, 78; spirits of turpentine, 7.25. The oil must be first boiled half an hour; the mixture is then boiled twenty-four hours, poured off from the sediment, and put in jugs, corked. (3) Coal-tar (of good quality), 2 gallons, and spirits of turpentine, 1 pint. In applying lacker, the surface of the iron must be first cleaned with a scraper and a wire brush, if necessary, and the lacker applied hot, in two thin coats, with a paint-brush. It is better to do it in summer. Old lacker should be removed with a scraper, or by scouring, and not by heating the guns or balls, by which the metal is injured. About 5 gallons of lacker are required for 100 field-guns and 1000 shot; about one quart for a sea-coast gun. Before the lacker is applied every particle of rust is removed from the gun, and the vent cleaned out.
Lacs d’Amour.In heraldry, a cord of running knots used as an external decoration to surround the arms of widows and unmarried women; thecordélier, which differs but slightly from it, being used similarly with the shields of married women.
Lacunette(Fr.). A term in fortification. A small fosse or ditch was formerly so called. The wordcunette(which see) has since been adopted.
Ladder Bridge.Used for crossing streams, etc. It is formed by running a cart or gun-limber into the stream and securing it there, with the shafts in a vertical position, by ropes from both sides of the river; one end of a ladder from each bank resting upon it, and covering the steps or rungs with planks.
Ladders, Scaling(Fr.eschelles de siege). Are used in scaling when a place is to be taken by surprise. They are made several ways; sometimes of flat staves, so as to move about their pins and shut like a parallel ruler, for conveniently carrying them. The French make them of several pieces, so as to be joined together, and to be capable of any necessary length. Sometimes they are madeof single ropes, knotted at proper distances, with iron hooks at each end, one to fasten them upon the wall above, and the other in the ground; and sometimes they are made of two ropes, with staves between them to keep the ropes at a proper distance, and to tread upon. When they are used in the action of scaling walls, they ought to be rather too long than too short, and to be given in charge only to the stoutest of the detachment. The soldiers should carry these ladders with the left arm passed through the second step, taking care to hold them upright close to their sides, and very short below, to prevent any accident in leaping into the ditch.
Ladle.SeeImplements.
Lady of Mercy, Our.A Spanish order of knighthood, founded in 1218 by James I. of Aragon, in fulfillment of a vow made to the Virgin during his captivity in France. The object for which the order was instituted was the redemption of Christian captives from among the Moors, each knight at his inauguration vowing that if necessary for their ransom he would remain himself a captive in their stead. Within the first six years of the existence of the order no fewer than 400 captives are said to have been ransomed by its means. On the expulsion of the Moors from Spain, the labors of the knights were transferred to Africa. The order was extended to ladies in 1261. Their badge is a shield party per fess gules and or, in chief a cross pattée argent, in base four pellets gules for Aragon, the shield crowned with a ducal coronet.
Lady of Montesa, Our.An order of knighthood, founded in 1317 by King James II. of Aragon, who, on the abrogation of the order of Templars, urged Pope Clement V. to allow him to employ all their estates within his territory in founding a new knightly order for the protection of the Christians against the Moors. His request was acceded to by the following pope, John XXII., who granted him for this purpose all the estates of the Templars and of the knights of St. John situated in Valencia. The order is now conferred merely as a mark of royal favor. The badge is a red cross edged with gold, the costume a long white woolen mantle, decorated with a cross on the left breast, and tied with very long white cords.
Lagos.A city and seaport of Portugal, in the province of Algarve, about 23 miles east-northeast from the extremity of Cape St. Vincent. In the Bay of Lagos, Admiral Boscawen obtained a signal victory over the French Toulon fleet, August 18, 1759.
Lagos.In the Bight of Benin, Africa; this place was assaulted and taken by the boats of a British squadron, under Commodore Bruce, December 26-27, 1851. In 1862 the place was ceded to the British government, and created a settlement.
Lahore.The capital of the Punjab, in British India, standing on the Ravee, 270 miles northwest from Delhi. It was taken by Baber about 1520, and was long the capital of the Mongol empire. It fell into the power of the Sikhs in 1798; was occupied by Sir Hugh Gough, February 22, 1846, who in March concluded a treaty of peace.
Laibach, orLaybach. A town of Austria, capital of the duchy of Carniola, 44 miles northeast from Trieste. This place was taken in 1799 by Bernadotte, and in 1809 by Macdonald. It is well known from the congress which was held in it in 1821, the object of which was the extinction of constitutional government, as established in Naples after the insurrection in 1820.
Laidley’s Practice Musket.This gun is made out of an old smooth-bore musket, reamed out for a length of 11 inches, for the reception of a coil ribbon spring, on one end of which a closely-fitting piston is placed, having a stem of about 5 inches attached to its centre; a hole is bored through the breech-screw and a cut made on its under side to receive a spring; a circular disk with a flaring hole through its centre is secured in the barrel just in front of the end of the breech-screw; a short lever crosses the end of the barrel just in front of this disk, and is held in position by the spring already referred to; the hole in the cone is enlarged and receives a small spindle with a collar at its middle, which prevents it from coming out. About 12 inches from the breech a horizontal cut is made through the top of the barrel, leaving an opening of 2 inches in length; a cylindrical plug having a hole through its axis is inserted in the barrel at this place, and a handle screwed in. An inner barrel, having a bore of .22 inch and a length of 17 inches, its upper end counter-bored, is inserted in the barrel and secured by a screw; the length of the block is such as to close the space between the chambered recess and the end of the inner barrel. A hole is bored through the side of the stock to communicate with the hole through the breech-screw. A dart is fired from this musket, which when fired into the target is extracted with a claw-tool. The men in firing stand at a distance of 15 paces from the target; and two men use the gun, firing alternately. This is a very useful musket to practice the soldier in rifle-firing. The soldier can also be practiced at long ranges with this gun in the following manner: Place a target at 500 or 600 yards distant, or as far off as convenient, so that it can be seen through the open window; place a target (16 inches square, with a bull’s-eye of .75 inch) 15 paces from the firing-stand, at such a height that the distant target may be seen 4 or 5 inches below the middle of its lower edge; mark on the floor the position for the feet of the man when firing, raise the longer leaf of the sight, aim at the distant bull’s-eye, and fire; the shots will strike the near target if correctly placed, and the accuracy of aim will beshown by the score thus made. The height of the target may have to be adjusted after the first few shots.
Laird.A leader or captain.
Laisches(Fr.). Were thin metal plates which the ancient Gauls placed upon the buff-coats of infantry, between the buff and the lining.
Lake Champlain.SeeChamplain, Lake.
Lake Ontario.SeeOntario, Lake.
Lake Regillus.In Italy, where tradition states the Romans defeated the Latin auxiliaries of the expelled Tarquins about 499B.C.
Lama.SeePack and Draught Animals.
Lambrequin.Leathern strap or flap hanging from a cuirass, often highly ornamented. Also ribbon of different colors for fastening a helmet, twisted round its crest, the knot forming an ornament.
Lamia(nowZeitun, orZetuni). A town in Phthiotis, in Thessaly, situated on the small river Achelous. It has given its name to the war which was carried on by the confederate Greeks against Antipater, after the death of Alexander, 323B.C.The confederates under the command of Leosthenes, the Athenian, defeated Antipater, who took refuge in Lamia, where he was besieged for some months. Leosthenes was killed during the siege; and the confederates were obliged to raise it in the following year (322), in consequence of the approach of Leomatus. The confederates under the command of Antiphilus defeated Leomatus, who was slain in the action. Soon afterwards Antipater was joined by Craterus; and thus strengthened, he gained a decisive victory over the confederates at the battle of Cranon (322), which put an end to the Lamian war.
Lamian War.SeeLamia.
Lampion de Parapet(Fr.). A lamp generally used on a parapet or elsewhere in a besieged place. It was a small iron vessel filled with pitch and tar, which was lighted by the troops as occasion required.
Lancaster.The chief town of Lancashire, England, situated on the river Lune. It is supposed to have been theAd Alaunamof the Romans. It was granted by William I. or II. to Roger de Poitou, who erected a castle upon its hill. It was taken by the Jacobites, November, 1715, and November, 1745.
Lancaster Gun.SeeOrdnance, Construction of.
Lancaster Herald.One of the six heralds of England, ranking second in seniority. His office is said to have been instituted by Edward III., when he created his son, John of Gaunt, duke of Lancaster. Henry IV. raised Lancaster to the dignity of king-at-arms. Edward IV., after reducing him back to the status of a herald, abolished his office, which was revived by Henry VII.
Lancaster Rifle.SeeSmall-arms.
Lancastrians.SeeRoses, Wars of the.
Lance.A weapon of war, consisting of a long shaft or handle, and metal point, now usually adorned with a small flag, and generally used by horsemen to transfix an enemy, but formerly used sometimes as a javelin. This offensive weapon was much used by the French in former times, particularly by that class of military gentlemen called chevaliers, and by the gendarmes. Before the reign of Philip de Valois, the chevaliers and gendarmes fought on foot, armed with lances only, both in battles and at sieges. On these occasions they shortened their lances, which were then said to beretaillees, or cut again.
Lance(Fr.). Means likewise an iron rod which is fixed across the earthen mold of a shell, and which keeps it suspended in the air when it is cast. As soon as the shell is formed, this rod must be broken, and carefully taken out with instruments made for that purpose. Shells ought to be scrupulously examined with respect to this article, as they could not be charged were the lance or any part of it to remain within. This is also the name of an instrument which conveys the charge of a piece of ordnance and forces it home to the bore.
Lance.A soldier armed with a spear; a lancer.
Lance.To pierce with a lance, or any similar weapon; to throw in the manner of a lance. SeeLanch.
Lance a Feu(Fr.). A squib. A species of artificial firework which is made in the shape of a fuze, and is used for various purposes. The composition of thelance a feuconsists of 3 parts of the best refined saltpetre, 2 parts of flour of sulphur, and 2 of antimony; the whole being pounded and mixed together. The chief use of thelance a feuis to throw occasional light across the platform, whilst artificial fireworks are preparing. They likewise serve to set fire to fuzes, as they can be taken hold of without danger.
Lance a Feu Puant(Fr.). Stink-fire lances prepared in the same manner that stink-pots are, and particularly useful to miners. When a sapper or miner has so far penetrated towards the enemy as to hear the voices of persons in any places contiguous to his own excavation, he first of all bores a hole with his probe, then fires off several pistols through the aperture, and lastly forces in alance a feu puant, taking care to close up the hole on his side to prevent the smoke from returning towards himself. The exhalation and stinking hot vapor which issue from the lance, and remain confined on the side of the enemy, infest the air so much, that it is impossible to approach the quarter for three or four days. Sometimes, indeed, they have had so instantaneous an effect, that in order to save their lives, miners, who would persevere, have been dragged out by the legs in an apparent state of suffocation.
Lance de Feu(Fr.). A species of squib,which is used by the garrison of a besieged town against a scaling party.
Lance, Free.SeeFree Lance.
Lance Socket.A leather socket which supports the butt of the lance when carried on horseback; called also lance bucket.
Lance-Corporal.An assistant to a corporal; a private performing the duties of a corporal; a lance-pesade. SeeCorporal, Lance-.
Lance-gaye(Fr.). SeeArch-gaye.
Lance-head.The head of a lance.
Lance-knight.A common or foot-soldier; a lansquenet. SeeLansquenet.
Lance-pesade.SeeAnspessade.
Lance-rest.A projection like a bracket, on the right side of a breastplate in armor, to aid in bearing a lance.
Lancers.A description of cavalry soldiers in different armies of Europe, who are armed with lances. The type and perfection of lancers are the Russian Cossacks, whose long lances enable them to combat with enemies at a distance from which they themselves take little harm. The lancers were brought into European notice by Napoleon, who greatly relied upon some Polish regiments. After the peace of 1815, the arm was adopted in the English service, but it is thought by many that the British lancer has a weapon too short to enable him to charge an infantry square with any chance of success.
Lances Levées(Fr.). Uplifted lances, indicating that the enemy was beaten, and that the chevaliers or gendarmes should close the day by giving a final blow to the disordered ranks.
Lanch.To throw, as a lance; to dart; to let fly. To pierce with a lance, or as with a lance; to wound. Written alsolaunch.
Land Batteries.Batteries used on land, as distinguished from floating batteries, etc., employed in the defense of harbors.
Landau.A strong town of Bavaria, in the Palatinate of the Rhine, situated on the Queich, 18 miles from Carlsruhe. This place was held alternately by the French and Austrians from 1680 to 1815, when it was assigned to the Germanic Confederation, under the protection of Bavaria.
Landen.SeeNeerwinden.
Land-force.A military force, army, or body of troops serving on land, as distinguished from a naval force.
Landgrave.A German nobleman of a rank corresponding to an English earl.
Landgravine.The wife of a landgrave.
Landing.In fortification, is the portion of the floor of the gallery between the frames that bound the entrance to a return. The landing is in all cases horizontal.
Landing of Troops.SeeDisembarkation.
Landshut.A town of Prussian Silesia. In June, 1760, the Austrians gained a decisive victory over the Prussians in this place.
Landsturm.A local militia of Prussia, formed of men above forty years of age, which never leaves its own district, and is only called out in case of actual invasion.
Landwehr.The militia of a country. Austria has a landwehr—bei den Oestreichern; and Prussia—bei den Preussen. The former are a sort of a reserve to each regiment of the line; they are under the same colonel, and are drilled once a year with the line regiment. The Prussian landwehr is more completely national. Every Prussian subject commences military service in the standing army, a force composed of the youth of the nation from twenty to twenty-five years old. After two or three years of service, the soldier proceeds to his home, but is liable to be called upon to join his regiment. During this period he is called areservist. At the expiration of five years from the date of enlistment, the men are transferred into the first class or levy of the landwehr, remaining in it until their thirty-second year. In time of war they are liable to be called upon to serve with the regiment of the line of a corresponding number,—in fact, they form the reserve of that regiment whence reinforcements are drawn. From their thirty-second to their thirty-ninth year the men belong to the second levy, and are only called out occasionally in time of peace, but in war they garrison fortresses.
Lane.The term applied to a body of soldiers in two ranks standing face to face, forming, in fact, a street, passage, or lane. The French call this formationhaie, or hedge. It is used when troops form a guard of honor for persons of rank to pass through.
Langensalza.A town of Prussian Saxony, on the Salza, 20 miles northwest of Erfurt. The French and Saxons were here defeated by the Prussians in 1750; in 1761 the Prussians and English defeated the German imperial army; in 1813 the Prussians were defeated by the Bavarians; and in 1866, a bloody contest took place between the Prussians and Hanoverians, resulting in the capture of the Hanoverian army as prisoners of war.
Langrel, orLangrage. A villainous kind of shot, consisting of various fragments of iron bound together, so as to fit the bore of the cannon from which it is to be discharged. It is seldom used but by privateers.
Languedoc(anc.Narbonensis Prima). An old province of the south of France, bounded east by the river Rhone, and south by the Mediterranean. As a Roman province it enjoyed the freedom of Italy. It formed part of Gallia Narbonensis, but, in the Middle Ages, was known asSeptimania, from the seven cathedral churches which it contained. From the hands of the Romans it passed into the possession of the Goths; and being wrested from them, it was occupied by the Saracens till 725, when they were expelled by Charles Martel. It afterwards came under the sway of Philip the Bold, and became a part of the French Kingdom in 1361.
Languet. A small slip of metal on the hilt of a sword, which overhangs the scabbard; the ear of a sword.
Lansdown.In Somersetshire, England. The Parliamentary army under Sir William Waller was defeated here July 5, 1643.
Lansquenet.A German foot-soldier; originally one of the serfs who followed the camp in the service of the common soldiers; afterward one of the independent troops who hired themselves to those willing to pay highest for their services.
Lanterne(Fr.). Sometimes calledcuiller, or ladle, serves to convey gunpowder into a piece of ordnance. It is made of copper, and resembles a round spoon or ladle, which is fixed to a long pole.
Lanuvium(nowCivita Lavinia). An old and important city of Latium, on the Appian Way, 20 miles south of Rome. Tradition describes it as a colony from Alba; but it first rose to importance in the 5th centuryB.C., when it took part against Rome as one of the thirty cities of the Latin League. Its name again appears in the long wars between Rome and the Æqui and Volsci, siding with the former; it changed sides in 383B.C., but was leniently treated by its old ally at the end of the war. In the great Latin war, 340B.C., it again took part against Rome, and in the general settlement at the close of hostilities, it obtained the Romancivitas.