17.Trot.-18.Gallop.19.Charge.
When the body is marching at a walk, on the signal to trot, the whole instantly receive the wordtrot, and change pace immediately. The same is to be observed from the trot to the lightgallop, and from the gallop to thecharge. During the charge itself, the trumpets of all the squadrons that are charging, may sound.
20.Halt.The whole halt on the word of command. After the halt of a retreating body, the proper command will bring it to its proper front.
21.Retreat.The signal ofretreat, (which will be often preceded by that of halt) is a general caution for the several words of execution to be given.
22.Rally.The signal torally, may be continued as long as it is necessary, and be repeated by the trumpets of such parts of the body, as are concerned in the operation, till the end is answered.
These signals are given by the chief commander only of the whole body that is exercised, whether of a squadron, regiment, brigade, or a line: they are not repeated by other commanders; they are addressed as cautions to the commanding officers of the parts of such body, not to the men; nor is any movement, or alteration of movement, to take place, but in consequence of the words, march, trot, gallop, &c. &c. rapidly and loudly repeated, the instant the trumpet caution is given.
The signals of movement are so short, that the words of execution may nearly coincide with them.
These signals for quick movement, may in regular exercise be given by a person who at the instant of giving them is stationary; but if he leads the body in motion, it is evident that in the gallop, the charge, and the halt, the voice and the eye, can only determine, and regulate.
23.Turn out skirmishers.This signal is made by the commander of the whole, if the whole is concerned, otherwise by the commander of such part only as is to execute; if one, or two squadrons only, the voice will suffice. It may be a signal for pursuers after a charge.
24.Call in skirmishers.This signal is made by the commander of the whole, and repeated by the commander of the detachments; is for the skirmishers to join their detachments; or it may originally come from the commander of the detachments. On the signal to rally, the whole join the bodies they were detached from.
25.Skirmishers cease firing.This signal is made by the commander of the whole, and repeated (or originally made) by the commander of the supporting detachments, from which the skirmishers are advanced.
Bugle HornSoundings, are different calls which are made by the bugle horn for duty and exercise. The following constitute the principal ones. SeeAm. Mil. Lib.
These signals, of the trumpet, and bugle horn, are meant in aid of the voice, but are by no means to be substituted for, or prevent the ordered words of execution.
The trumpet is always to be considered as the principal military instrument for these soundings, and particularly belongs to the line; the bugle horn to riflemen and detached parties.
SOUPAPE,Fr.Sucker of a pump.
SOURA,Ind.A division; as that of chapter.
SOURD,e.Fr.Literally means deaf, dull. It is variously applied by the French—viz.
Lanterne Sourde,Fr.A dark lantern.
Lime Sourde,Fr.A file which is made in such a manner, that you may separate pieces of iron without making any noise in the operation. It is likewise used in a figurative sense—to signify a person who says little, but is always meditating something mischievous or injurious to others.
The French likewise say,sourdes pratiques,pratiques sourdes; secret or underhand practices;sourdes menees,menees sourdes, secret or underhand ways. These terms are always used in a bad sense. In mathematics, the French call those quantities,quantites sourdes, which are incommensurable, that is, which cannot be exactlyexpressed, either by whole numbers or by fractions. Thus the square root, orracine carree, of two is aquantite sourde.
SOURDINE,Fr.A little pipe, a mute. It likewise means a small spring, which is fixed in a dumb repeater. The French make use of this word in a figurative sense, to signify, literally, without noise.Les ennemis ont délogé à la sourdine, the enemy decamped privately, and without noise.
SOURIS,Fr.Literally a mouse. For its application in fortification, seePas de souris. It is likewise used to express a want of expedients or resources in critical moments, and the consequent danger of being caught in the snare one is endeavoring to avoid—La souris qui n’a qu’un trou est bientôt prise, the mouse that has only one hole to run to, is soon caught.
SOUS,Fr.A proposition which is used to denote the state or condition of one thing with respect to another which is above it, viz.
SOUS-tangente,Fr.Sub-tangent.
SOUS-lieutenant,Fr.Sub-lieutenant.
SOUSIGNER,Fr.To undersign.
Sousigne,ée,Fr.The undersigned.
LaSOUTE,Fr.The powder or bread room.
SOUTENIR,Fr.In exercise and evolution to turn upon the left foot in proportion as any given line bears towards the fixed point upon which it is directed to rest; The point on which the soldier turns is called the pivot,Le pivot.
Soutenir,Fr.To maintain; assoutenir le combat, to maintain the fight.
Soutenirle feu de l’ennemi,Fr.To stand the enemy’s fire.
Soutenirle siege,Fr.To hold out in a besieged place.
SOUTERRAINS,Fr.Subterraneous passages, lodgments, &c. that are bomb-proof.
SOUVERAIN,Fr.Sovereign. The person in whom sovereignty is vested.
SOUVERAINETE. Sovereignty; supremacy; highest place; supreme power.
SOW, in ancient military history, a kind of covered shed, fixed on wheels, under which the besiegers filled up and passed the ditch, sapped or mined the wall, and sometimes worked a kind of ram. It had its name from its being used for rooting up the earth like a swine, or because the soldiers therein were like pigs under a sow.
SOWAR,Ind.A horseman.
SOWARRY,Ind.A retinue, cavalcade; the English residents in India say, such a man travels with a largesowarry, meaning a great number of followers.
SOWGUND,Ind.An oath.
SPADE, (Beche,Fr.) an instrument for digging. SeeIntrenching Tools,Mining, &c.
SPADROON, a sword much lighter than a broadsword, and made both to cut and thrust.
SpadroonGuard, a guard sometimes used with the cut and thrust sword, and also with the broadsword. It consists in dropping the point towards the right from the outside guard, till it comes under your adversary’s blade, the edge being upwards, and your wrist at the same time raised.
SPAHI,Persian. A soldier or military man, whence the common Hindustan termSepahi, corrupted by the English intoSepcy.
Spahi.An upper garment made of blue cloth, which is worn by the Janizaries, in the same manner that we wear a loose great coat or surtout.
SPAHIS. A corps of Turkish cavalry, which is kept in pay by the grand signor. The Spahis do not possess any lands as the Zaims and Timariots are allowed to do. This corps is composed of twelve or fifteen thousand men, and consists of theSilbataris, whose standard or cornet is yellow, and of theSpahis-Glanis, who have a red one. When the troops were first formed, the latter acted as servants or batmen to the former: they became a separate class or troop in consequence of their superior conduct on service, and were distinguished in this manner:—They are armed with a sabre and a lance, which they callMisra. They likewise make use of a long dart or javelin, called aGerie, with an iron ferrel at one end, which they throw at the enemy with surprising skill; and if they should happen to miss their aim, they can instantly bend from their saddles, and catch it up, whilst the horse is on full gallop. Others again are armed with bows and arrows, and some have pistols and carbines. When the grand signor takes the field in person, he generally makes a present of five thousand aspres to eachSpahi. This bounty is calledSadach akchiasi, or gift to enable each man to purchase bows and arrows.
When theSpahistake the field, they march in rear of their standard; but they do not observe any particular order of route. They divide themselves, on the contrary, into small bodies, and advance in the most desultory manner.
Besides these two troops ofSpahis, there are four others in the Turkish service, which are only called upon under circumstances of extreme pressure and emergency. The first is calledSag-Vlesigi; the standard is red and white. The second is namedSol-Vlesigi; the standard is white and yellow. The third is styledSag-Gureba, the standard is green: and the fourth,Sol-Gureba; the standard is white. All theseSpahisreceive a daily pay of twelve to twenty aspres; and they are subject to every species of duty. Those areSpahis, calledTimars, orTimariots. SeeTimariots.
SPANNER, the lock of a fusil or carabine.
SPATTERDASHES, a kind of coveringfor the legs of soldiers, made of cloth, or coarse linen waxed over, and buttoned tight: by which the wet is kept off, now called long gaiters.
SPATTS, a small sort of spatterdashes, that reach only a little above the ancle, called also half gaiters.
SPEAKINGTrumpet, a trumpet by which the voice may be carried to a great distance. It was formerly used in large armies; and even so late as the siege of Gibraltar, when general Elliot, (afterwards Lord Heathfield) caused the brigade words of command to be given by means of this instrument.
SPEAR, alance, or long weapon with a sharp point, formerly used as a manual, or missive weapon. SeeLance.
ToSPEND. This term is used at sea of a mast of a ship; when it is broken down by foul weather, it is said to be spent. It is sometimes used in military matters to express the consumption of any thing: as to spend all your ammunition.
SPENTBall, (Boulet mort,Balle morte,Fr.) A cannon or musquet ball, &c. is said to be spent, when it reaches an object without sufficient force to pass through it, or otherwise wound, than by a contusion. Spent balls, however, are frequently fatal in their effects, especially when they hit any of the noble parts. It is on occasions of this sort, that the activity and skill of a field or ambulating surgeon, are indispensibly necessary; for which reason a sufficient number of these useful attendants upon an army, ought always to accompany the different battalions that go into action. The French pay the strictest attention to this branch of the service. Their flying hospitals are not only well supplied with all the requisites for so important an establishment, but every dependent part is equally well provided.
SPHERE,-SPHERICAL,
a round body of which the centre is at the same distance from every point of the circumference; as is the case withShots,Shells, &c.
SPHERESd’artifice,Fr.Iron hoops with matches, steeped in combustible matter, fixed round them. When there is only one hoop it is calledCircle d’artifice; when there are two or three, one within the other, the assemblage of them is calledsphere d’artifice, from its resemblance to that figure.
SPHERICAL. Round.
SPHEROID, an oblong body, approaching the form of a sphere.
SPIES,-SPIALS,
inwar, are persons employed to give intelligence of what the enemy is doing. They should be well paid: who pays them ill, is never well served. They should never be known to any but the general who employs them, nor should they know one another. When they propose any thing very material, their persons, or their wives and children, should be secured and kept as hostages for their fidelity. If they are apprehended, they immediately suffer death.
Spiesare found in the cabinets of princes, in the closets of ministers, amongst the officers of an army, and in the councils of generals; in towns belonging to the enemy, and in monasteries. The greatest generals strongly recommend them, whatever expence they may occasion; and indeed a commander had better be in want of many particulars, however necessary, than be destitute of spies. Nothing should be spared to procure them; and even the promises made to them should be observed with the most inviolable integrity. By making a proper use of these necessary creatures, the most secret designs of an enemy may be discovered, the positions his armies are to take, the stations of his fleets, and even the manner in which the former is to be secured by masked batteries, or the latter be kept firm with chain moorings; as was the case off Boulogne in 1800.
ToSPIKEa gun. This term is chiefly used at sea, and signifies to fasten a quoin with spikes to the deck, close to the breech of the carriages of the great guns, so that they may keep firm and close to the sides of the ship, and not break loose when the ship rolls. It is likewise used in military matters to signify the choaking up the touch-hole of a piece of ordnance, so as to render it useless. SeeTo Nail.
SPIKES, ingunnery. SeeHand-Spikes.
SPIN, orto spin hay, is to twist it up in ropes, very hard, for an expedition; by which means it is less bulky, and less troublesome for the cavalry to carry behind them. An expert horseman can spin five days forage into a very narrow compass.
SPIRAL, (Spirale,Fr.) In architecture, a curve that ascends winding about a cone or spire, so that all the points thereof continually approach the axis.
SpiralLine, (Ligne spirale,Fr.) A curve line, which makes a circular movement like a screw, perpetually diverging or going off from its centre.
SPIRAL,-SPIRE,
a line drawn progressively round the same axis, with a distance between each circle; as the thread of a screw. SeeScrew.
SPOKES, the bars of a wheel that pass from the nave to the felly.
SPONTOON, is a spear formerly used instead of a half-pike, by officers of infantry; when the spontoon was planted, the regiment halted; when pointed forwards, the regiment marched; and when pointed backwards, the regiment retreated.
ToSPRAWL, to widen out in an irregular and unsoldier-like manner. This term is chiefly applicable to the cavalry.
SPRAWLING. Loose, unconnected, wide of each other.
ASPRAWLINGcharge, a loose and irregularmovement of cavalry, instead of a close, compact, forward attack.
ToSPRING. To give vent to any combustible matter upon which gunpowder principally acts by the power of explosion. Hence to spring globes of compression, &c. The latter are frequently used for the same purposes that skyrockets, &c. are, viz. to serve as signals when any sudden attack is to be made.
Spring, in a general acceptation, an elastic body; a body which when bent, or distorted, has the power of restoring itself to its former state. It is in general a piece of tempered metal, which by means of its elastic force, is useful in several machines to give them motion. In a gun lock the springs are distinguished by various appellations according to their several uses, viz.
Cear and CearSpring. The cear is a piece of hardened iron or steel in a gun lock, which moves on a pivot, and the point of which is received in a notch cut in the tumbler, and the other end is acted upon by the trigger.
The cear spring is a small spring, which throws the cear into the notch cut in the tumbler of a gun-cock, when the piece is at half cock or full cock.
FeatherSpring. The spring of a gun lock beneath the foot of the hammer; called likewise hammer-spring.
MainSpring. The spring in a gun lock which operates on the tumbler, and gives force to the cock.
ToSpring, in a military sense, to step forward with a certain degree of elasticity.
Springup. A word of command, which has been occasionally used when sections double up. It signifies, indeed, the same as double up, and is sometimes used singly, asSpring!particularly to light infantry men.
ToSpringthe firelock. To bring it briskly up to any ordered position; to the recover, for instance.
SPUNGE, (ecouvillon,arroussement,griffon,Fr.) A long staff with a roll at one end, covered with a sheep’s skin, of the bigness of the bore of a gun, to scour it after firing; and to prevent any sparks from remaining. It is sometimes called Merkin, from its artificial texture of hair at the end of the staff.
PyrotechnicalSpunges. Spunges which constitute the black match or tinder that is brought from Germany, for striking fire with a flint and steel. These spunges are made of the large mushroom, or fungous excrescences which grow upon old oaks, ash trees, firs, &c. These are steeped in water, boiled and beaten, and then put in a strong lye made of saltpetre, and afterwards dried in an oven.
ToSpungethe gun, (écouvillonner le canon,Fr.) To cool and cleanse the bore of a piece of ordnance by means of a wet spunge which is fixed to the end of a long pole.
SPURS, inold fortifications, are walls that cross a part of the rampart, and join to the town wall.
Spurs, instruments fixed to the heels of horsemen, with which they can at pleasure, goad the horse to action.
SQUAD. A diminutive of squadron. It is used in military matters to express any small number of men, horse or foot, that are collected together for the purposes of drill, &c.
ToSquad. To divide a troop or company into certain parts, in order to drill the men separately, or in small bodies, or to put them under the direction and care of some steady corporal, or lance corporal. In every well regulated troop or company, the men are squadded in such a manner, that the most minute concern with respect to the interior economy can be instantly accounted for. The following distinct instructions have appeared in print. We quote them the more readily because they not only coincide with our own ideas on the subject, but seem perfectly calculated to preserve good order and discipline. They relate chiefly to the cavalry, but are equally applicable to infantry corps.
Each troop, it is observed, ought to be divided into two squads when under forty. Into three or four when above, according to the number, with an equal proportion of non-commissioned officers in each; and when the eldest is on duty, the charge of the squad falls on the next in the squad, and so on. First the stables must be divided as equally as possible into these divisions, and the men must belong to the same squad that their horses do: so that the foot and horse billets, and those for the married men’s rooms of a squad, go together. The squads must be as distinct and separate as possible; in short as much so as two troops are, never crossing each other. The stables must likewise be squadded entire; that is, no one stable should be allotted to two separate squads; for which reason, the proportion of numbers in each squad cannot always be exactly equal. The squad is entirely in charge of its own serjeant, or, in his absence, of the corporal who commands it, with relation to every quarter and stable duty, parades on foot and horseback. The quarter-master, in the cavalry, has, of course, the general inspection of the whole.
When a corporal has charge of a squad, he must not look after his own horse at such times as interfere with his squad duty: he can generally manage to do it at the morning stable, and in the evening he can get him done before the regular hour. On a march, or after a field day, he cannot do it so conveniently, and of course orders another man to do it. When a detachment of an absent troop is in a quarter, it must be attached to a particular troop, whichever may be judged most convenient. It must be considered as a separate and distinct squad, quartered by itself, (as far as it can be, consistent withthe proper quartering of its recruits) and under the command of its own non-commissioned officer, unless the troop to which it belongs cannot spare a non-commissioned officer with it; in which case it must be given in charge to a non-commissioned officer of the troop to which it is attached.
The same rules for squadding hold good on a march, and in all situations whatever; and the list of quarters must be made out accordingly.
The non-commissioned officers must always be kept to the same squad, as nearly as they can be. The policy of this instruction is obvious, as they will thereby be made acquainted with the character of every man in the squad.
Recruits should always be quartered and squadded with old soldiers who are known to be steady and well behaved; and those men that are at all irregular in their conduct, must be separated and distributed in squads which are composed of good old soldiers.
AwkwardSquad. The awkward squad consists not only of recruits at drill, but of formed soldiers that are ordered to exercise with them, in consequence of some irregularity under arms.
SQUADRON. A body of cavalry, composed of two troops. The number is not fixed, but is generally from 100 to 250 men.
SQUARE, (Carré,Fr.) A figure with right angles, and equal sides.
TheSQUARE. A particular formation into which troops are thrown on critical occasions; particularly to resist the charge of cavalry.
SolidSQUARE, is a body of foot, where both ranks and files are equal. It was formerly held in great esteem; but when the prince of Nassau introduced the hollow square, this was soon neglected.
HollowSQUARE, is a body of foot drawn up, with an empty space in the centre, for the colors, drums, and baggage, facing every way to resist the charge of the horse.
OblongSQUARE. A square which is not at right angles, but represents the figure of an oblong, whose sides are unequal. Thus, as eight companies of equal numbers would form a perfect square, ten make an oblong.
PerfectSQUARE. A square whose sides are equal and at right angles.
The perfect square, in the formation of troops, seems best calculated for military movements and arrangements. Battalions, for instance, which are composed of eight companies, with one hundred rank and file in each, are equal to every species of disposition. It is upon this principle, we presume, that the French have distributed their infantry. British regiments, on the contrary, consist of eight companies, one of which is grenadiers and the other of light infantry, and are so composed that no square of this kind can be formed. This is manifestly a defect in their system. It is, indeed, remedied by the grenadier and light infantry companies being occasionally detached, or cast into separate battalions; so that the remaining companies, by being told off, may be brought to eight equal parts. Tacticians will perhaps agree with us, that it would be better to have every regiment composed of ten companies, flanked by a subdivision of grenadiers, the whole being so equalized as to produce four equal sides. In this case, the light companies should be formed into separate bodies of chasseurs or riflemen, after the manner of the French.
Shakspeare uses the word square to signify squadrons; but it is now obsolete.
SQUAREroot. In geometry, the square root of any number is that which multiplied by itself, produces the square; thus 4 is the square root of 16.
Squarenumber. In arithmetic, is when another number, called its root, can be found, which multiplied by itself produces the square; thus 16 is the square number of 4, and 9 the square of 3.
SQUELETTE,Fr.literally means a skeleton. It is used by the French, as by us, to signify the remnant, or incomplete state of a regiment, viz.La squelette d’un regiment; The skeleton of a regiment.
Squelette,Fr.likewise means the skeleton state of a ship, or a ship upon the stocks, and which has only her ribs and first timbers laid in. So thatsqueletteamong the French will apply either to the first organization or arrangement of parts belonging to a work or establishment, before it is completed, or to the remnant of such a work or establishment, after it has been completed. In the first sense of the wordcadre, frame, outline, &c. bears the construction ofsqueletteamong the French, as,cadre d’un corps. When the British expedition to Quiberon was planned, there were several cadres of this description. They consisted of French noblemen and gentlemen who were to organize the Chouans, and receive appointments according to their several ranks, &c. &c.
SQUIRE. An attendant on a warrior was formerly so called. SeeArmiger.
STABLEhorse,Ind.That part of the late Tippoo Sultaun’s cavalry, which was best armed, accoutred, and most regularly disciplined.
STADIUM, (Stadion,Fr.) An ancient Greek long measure, containing 125 geometrical paces, or 625 Roman feet, corresponding to our furlong. This word is formed from the Greek term, which signifies station. It is said that Hercules after running that distance at one breath, stood still. The Greeks measured all their distances by stadia. The Romans had, likewise, their stadia, derived from the Greek, by which they measured distances. The stadium of Rome contained620 geometrical paces. Eight stadia make one Italian mile.
STADION, among the Greeks signified also a space of enclosed or open ground, containing that measure, where the public races were run.
STAFF, in military affairs, consists of a quarter-master general, adjutant-general, majors of brigade, aids-de-camp, &c. The general staff properly exists only in time of war. SeeQuarter-master general, &c.
RegimentalStaff, are, the adjutant, quarter-master, chaplain, and surgeon, &c.
Staffof command. SeeBattoon.
TheStaff, on British home service, consists in general of
One general commanding a district.
One lieutenant-general.
One major-general.
One adjutant general.
One quarter-master general.
One deputy adjutant, and quarter-master general.
One engineer.
One assistant adjutant, and quarter-master general.
The regulated number of aids-de-camp and brigade majors:
One commissary general.
Deputy commissaries general, assistant commissaries general, according to circumstances.
One inspector general of hospitals.
Physicians, surgeon and apothecary, mates.
The British staff in India consists of a general staff, station staff, cantonment, and garrison staff; and an hospital staff. The staff in Great Britain is comprehended under general staff, garrison staff, district staff, and staff belonging to the cavalry depot at Maidstone, and the general infantry one in the Isle of Wight. There is likewise an hospital staff. For an account of staffs in general seeAm. Mil. Lib.
Thestaffof the French has been the main spring of their tactics, and no army can be effective without a good staff.
Staff, the same asbaton; from whence those officers in the suite of generals, and not attached to regiments, are calledthe staff, a baton being formerly the insignia of office; which is now supplied by other devices, as facings, feathers, and so forth.
HammerSTALL. A piece of leather, which is made to cover the upper part of the lock belonging to a musquet. It is useful in wet weather.
STAMPduties. Imposts laid upon paper in England, that is used for legal or commercial purposes. Proceedings of courts-martial, whether copies or originals, are not chargeable with stamp-duties; nor are the receipts given by officers for their respective pay or allowances.
STAND. The act of opposing; thus troops that do not yield or give way are said to makea stand.
ToSTANDthe enemy’s fire; to remain with steady firmness in orderly array, without being discomposed by the shot, &c. of an opposing enemy.
ToSTAND. To have an erect position. Every recruit should be taught to hold his body in such a manner, that he feels himself firm and steady upon whatever ground he may be placed for the purposes of exercise or parade. SeePosition without arms.
ToSTANDwell under arms. To be so perfectly master of the firelock as not to be embarrassed, or to be rendered unsteady by its weight, but to be able to preserve a correct relative position of the body through all the changes of the manual and platoon, &c. and during the prescribed movements in parade and field exercises. SeePosition with arms.
ToSTANDat ease. To be allowed a certain indulgence with regard to bodily position, with or without arms. SeeEase. It is likewise a word of command, asStand at—Ease.
Standfast. This term is frequently used as a caution to some particular part of a line or column. In the first of the nineteen manœuvres, for instance, the grenadiers are directed tostand fast, while the remaining companies march from their alignement to form close column behind them. When a battalion, drawn up in line, is to move forward in front of its original position from the right, left, or centre, the named division, subdivision, or section,stands fast, and the remaining ones, which have been wheeled backward into column, march towards the inward flank of the standing division, subdivision, or section. On the first of the moving bodies arriving at the inward pivot of the standing one, the latter receives the word march, and the former wheels into the ground. The rest successively do the same. By this method the leading division is spared the trouble of wheeling back and returning again to its original ground.
STANDARD, that which is the test or criterion of other things.
STANDARD. A measure by which men enlisted into the British service have the regulated height ascertained.
According to the British regulations and orders published in 1799, the standard for men raised for the heavy cavalry shall be five feet seven inches, and for the light cavalry and infantry five feet five inches; but no recruits are to be taken, even of those sizes, who exceed 35 years of age, or who are not stout and well made. Lads between 16 and 18 years of age, who are well limbed, and likely to grow, may be taken as low as five feet six inches for the heavy cavalry, and as low as five feet four inches for the light cavalry and infantry. In those regiments which are specially authorised to enlist boys, healthylads, under 16 years of age, who are likely to grow, may be taken as low as five feet one inch. It will be recollected, that this standard is for men inlisted during a war; when regiments are put upon the peace establishment a higher standard is resorted to. Thus by a letter dated 28th January, 1802, it is directed, that the standard for the infantry of the line shall be five feet seven inches; that no man shall be inlisted who is above 25 years of age; but growing lads from 17 to 19 years of age, shall be taken as low as five feet five inches.
STANDARD, inwar, a sort of banner or flag, borne as a signal for the joining together of the several troops belonging to the same body.
The standard is usually a piece of silk 1¹⁄₂ feet square, on which is embroidered arms, device, or cypher, of the country. It is fixed on a lance eight or nine feet long, and carried in the centre of the first rank of a squadron of horse, by the coronet.
Standardsbelonging to the cavalry. Standards are posted in the following manner:
The first with the right squadron.
The second with the left; and the third with the centre.
In advancing to the front on foot, the advanced standards and their serjeants must not slacken their pace, or deviate from right to left, as the lieutenant-colonel or leading officer may happen to do, but if he be in their way, they must call to him, because they alone regulate the march.
The standards must always be brought to the parade by a troop, viz. by that which has its private parade nearest to head-quarters. They must be accompanied by as many trumpeters as can conveniently assemble with that troop. Swords must be drawn, and the march sounded. The cornets parade, of course, with that troop to receive the standards. The standards are received by the regiment or squadron at open ranks, with swords drawn, officers saluting, and the march sounding by the remaining trumpets. They must march off from head-quarters, and be lodged with the same form.
STANDARDbearer, he who carries the standard; a cornet, ensign, &c.
Standard-Hill, a hill in England so called because William the conqueror set up his standard on it, before he joined battle with Harold.
STANDING. Settled, established, not temporary.
Standingarmy. An army which is quartered upon a country, and is liable to every species of duty, without any limitation being fixed to its service. The life and foot guards form a part of the standing army of Great Britain. The militia, but not the volunteers, may be partially considered as such: the adjutant, non-commissioned officers, and drummers being in constant pay, and a third of the quota of men, together with all the officers, being called out once a year to be exercised for 28 days.
Standing.Rank; condition. It likewise signifies length of time. As, such an officer is of very old standing in the army.
STAPLES, are loops of iron, or bars pointed and bent so as to be driven in at both ends.
STAR-chamber. A chamber in Westminster so called from its roof being painted with gilt stars. It has been rendered proverbially odious to the English nation, on account of the encroachments which were made upon the constitution of the country during the reign of Charles the first.
STAR-fort, infortification. SeeFortandFortification.
STATE. Condition of any thing; as a weekly state of a regiment, &c.
Stateof a detachment. The difference between the state of a corps or detachment, and a mere return of the same, consists in this, that the former comprehends the specific casualties, &c. that have occurred; whereas the latter gives an abstract account of the officers and men in a more general and comprehensive manner. The wordstateis likewise used to express the condition of every thing belonging to the equipment of a regiment; as, state of arms, accoutrements, &c.
STATICS, (Statique,Fr.) A branch of mathematics, which considers weight or gravity, and the motion of bodies arising therefrom. Those who define mechanics to be the science of motion make statics a member thereof, viz. That part which considers the motions of bodies arising from gravity. Others again say, that statics should be the doctrine or theory of motion, and mechanics the application thereof to machines.
STATION, in geometry, a place pitched upon to make an observation, take an angle, or the like.
STATION. SeePost.
STATIQUE,Fr.SeeStatics.
STATISTICS. According to the author of a late work, statistics are that comprehensive part of municipal philosophy, which states and defines the situation, strength, and resources of a nation. They constitute a kind of political abstract, by which the statesman may be enabled to calculate his finances, as well as guide the economy of his government; and they are equally useful in ascertaining the military resources of a country.
STAVES, round and flat, used in ammunition and other waggons or carts, are round and flat sticks between the sommers and side-pieces, also in common and scaling ladders.
STAYS, in truck carriages, are theirons which are fixed one end under the fore axle-tree, and the other to the side-pieces, in the form of an S.
STEED. A horse either for state or war.
STEEL, particularly applied, it meansweaponorarmor.
STEGANOGRAPHY, the art of secret writing, or of writing in cyphers, known only to persons corresponding, and much used in war.
STENOGRAPHY, (Sténographie,Fr.) SeeStereography.
STEP, (Pas,Fr.) Progression by one removal of the foot. It likewise signifies pace.
ToSTEP. To move forward or backward, by a single change of the place of the foot.
ToSTEPout. To lengthen your pace.
ToSTEPshort, is to diminish or slacken your pace. On the word,step short, the foot advancing will finish its pace, and afterwards each man will step as far as the ball of his toe, and no further, until the wordforwardbe given, when the usual pace of 24 inches is to be taken. This step is useful when a momentary retardment of either a battalion in line, or of a division in column, shall be required. SeeAm. Mil. Lib.
ToSTEPout, is to lengthen the step to 30 inches, by leaning forward a little, but without altering the cadence. It is also called thecharging step, oraccelerated pace. This step is necessary when a temporary exertion in line and to the front, is required; and is applied both to ordinary and quick time.
These phrases are frequently used in military movements, when it is found necessary to gain ground in front, or to give the rear of a column &c. time to acquire its proper distance. The officer who leads a head division should be particularly attentive, when he is ordered to step out or step short, especially in the different wheelings, not to lose the precise moment when either may be thought expedient; and in marching in open column, every successive officer should watch the seasonable moment, after a wheel, of preserving his relative distance.
ToSTEPoff, in a military sense, to take a prescribed pace from a halted position, in ordinary or quick time, in conformity to some given word of command or signal.
Steppingoff to music. In stepping off to music, or to the tap of the drum, it will be recollected, that the word of command is the signal to lift up the left foot, and that it comes down, or is planted, the instant the tap is given, or the music completes its firstbar, so that the time must be invariably marked with the left foot, and not by the right, as has been practised by the British guards and the artillery, until a recent regulation.
BalancingSTEP. A step so called from the body being balanced upon one leg, in order to render it firm and steady in military movements, &c. Men at the drill should be frequently exercised in this step. The manner in which it is executed is as follows:
At the wordmarch, the left foot is advanced firmly, but without a jirk, the body is kept perfectly erect, the knee straight, the toe pointed out, the shoulders square to the front, and the whole weight of the body bearing on the right foot. Great care must be taken that the foot is thrown straight forwards, and that the shoulders do not go with it. When the men have remained in this position just long enough to make them perfectly steady, the wordright, must be given. Upon which the left foot is planted firm, the body quite steady, and whole weight restsà plombupon the left foot; the right foot is of course advanced as the left foot was before, and so on, the feet being thrown forward, alternately, at the wordsRight,Left. The drill serjeant or corporal must see, that the toe of each man comes rather first to the ground, that he rests on the flat of the foot that is planted, and by no means on the heel, that both knees are straight, and that his arms are kept close to his side without constraint.
When a recruit has been rendered tolerably steady in this step, he must be made to stand on one leg, and move the other to front and rear gently; he must then bring that leg to the ground, and do the same with the other. He must be frequently practised in this until he becomes quite steady on his legs, and has acquired a free motion from his hips without working his body.
LockStep. SeeLock.
The side or closingStep. A step which is taken in order to gain ground to the right or left, without altering the front of the battalion, or of closing it to its centre, whenever a chasm occurs in the line after it has wheeled from column, &c. This step is performed from the halt, in ordinary time, by the following words ofcommand:—
Mark time.
Side step to the right—March.
Side step to the left—March.
BackStep, (Pas en arriére,Fr.) A step taken to the rear from any position without any change of aspect. The back step is performed in the ordinary time and six inches pace, from the halt, on a given word of command. It will be generally recollected, that a few paces only of the back step can be necessary at a time.
StepBack,March, (En arriére,Marche,Fr.) A word of command which is given when one or more men are ordered to take the back step according to regulation.
QuickStep, a military step, consisting of 24 inches, (of which 108 are to be taken in a minute, making 216 feet in a minute) which constitutes what isnowcalledcommon timein marching. The commandquickmarchbeing given with a pause between them, the wordmark time, is to be considered as a caution, and the whole are to remain on the ground dressed in ranks, with the feet in motion atquicktime; on the wordmarch, they step off with the left feet, keeping the body in the same posture, and the shoulders square to the front; the foot to be lifted off the ground, that it may clear any stones, or other impediments in the way, and to be thrown forward, and placed firm; the whole of the sole to touch the ground, and not the heel alone: the knees are not to be bent, neither are they to be stiffened, so as to occasion fatigue or constraint. These instructions can only be complied with by means of a sedulous attention not only in the instructor at the drill, but by a constant application of that solid principle which directs, that all movements of the legs should come from the haunches. The knees, indeed, must bend, and the fore parts of the feet must unavoidably be lifted up, but both these natural actions may be done in so correct and quick a manner, that they will scarcely be perceptible. The elasticity of the instep, if properly managed, will always give a firmness to the tread. The arms are to hang with ease down the outside of the thigh; and a very small motion may be occasionally permitted, to prevent constraint. The head is to be kept to the front, the body to be well up, and the utmost steadiness to be preserved. The quick step is the pace to be used in all filings of divisions from line into column, or from column into line; and by battalion columns of manœuvre, when they change position, independently of each other. It must always be used in the column of march of small bodies, when the route is smooth, or the ground unembarrassed, and no obstacles occur; but in a long march in line of a considerable body, it is not to be required; otherwise fatigue must arise to the soldier, and more time will be lost by hurry, and inaccuracy (the natural consequence of hurry) than is attempted to be gained by quickness.
QuickestStep, (Pas accelere,Fr.) A step measuring 24 inches, which indicatesquickest time, orwheeling march, and of which 130, making 260 feet, should be taken in a minute.
This step is applied chiefly to the purpose of wheeling, and is the rate at which all bodies accomplish their wheels; the outward file stepping 24 inches, whether the wheel is from line into column, during the march in column, or from column into line. In this time also, and by this step, should divisions double, and move up, when they pass obstacles in line; or when in the column of march, the front of divisions is increased, or diminished.
ToStepbetween. To interfere.
ToStepforth or forward. To take an active part in any thing. Thus, when the circle was formed, the grenadiersstepped forwardto beg off their comrade, &c. The officers stepped forward, and remonstrated against their colonel.
Stepis likewise figuratively used to signify promotion. As the next step from a lieutenancy is a troop or company, and from that to a majority; except in the British guards, who have the exclusive privilege of going over this intermediate rank, andsteppinginto a lieutenant-colonelcy at once.
ToStepover. To rise above another. This term is generally used in a bad sense. As, young men of interest and connection frequentlystep overold soldiers.
STEWARD. One who manages the affairs of others. In all well conducted messes belonging to military corps, certain officers are named to act as stewards, for some specific period. These act conjointly with the treasurer and pay master for the good of the whole.
STERE,Fr.A measure for firewood, which has been adopted by the French, since the revolution. The stere is equal to the cubic metre. It is used instead of thevoie, and is about half of that measure. TheCorde, in decimals, answers 3,335 steres.
STEREOGRAPHY. The art of drawing the forms of solids upon a plane.
STEREOMETRY. The art of measuring all sorts of solid bodies.
STICK. The same as Baton, an instrument of dignity, which is occasionally carried by persons and officers in high situations, particularly by such as are in waiting near the royal person.
STICKLER. A sidesman to fencers: or second to a duellist.
STILETTO. A small dagger, with a round blade, and sharp point.
STINKPOT. A firework made of offensive combustibles, which is used at sieges, &c. SeeLaboratory.
STIRRUPS. Iron hoops suspended by straps to each side of the saddle, in which the horseman sets his feet in mounting or riding.
STOCCADO. A push or thrust with a rapier.
STOLE. SeeOrder of the Stole.
STOCK. The wooden part of a musquet or pistol.
Stock.A part of an officer’s dress, which consists generally of black silk or velvet, and is worn round the neck instead of a neckcloth. The soldier’s stock is of black ribbed leather, and is part of his small mounting. Red stocks were formerly worn in the British guards; they are still so in some Prussian regiments.
StockPurse. A certain saving which is made in a corps, and which is applied to regimental purposes. In some corps this fund is so honestly managed, that, without encroaching upon the public, the most beneficial effects are produced: in others again, it is so mysteriously handled between commanding officers and paymasters,that it becomes a perpetual source of discontent and jealousy.
STOMPER,Fr.To sketch out a design, or to draw with colors that have been pounded into dust. Instead of the pencil or crayon, a roll of paper which is dipped into the colored dust, serves to put on the different colors.
STONES, inmilitary architecture, may be distinguished into two sorts; that is, into hard and soft: hard stone is that which is exposed to the open air, such as rocks, and which lie loose upon the surface of the earth: the soft stone is that which is found in quarries, and underground. It is undoubtedly true that the hardest stones make the most durable works; but as there is seldom a sufficient quantity to build the whole fortification, the best serve in the facings of the work, in the foundations, and where the works are exposed to the violence of the waves.
The stones of some quarries are very soft, and easily worked, when first cut out; but, when exposed for some time to the open air, become very hard and durable.
As there is undoubtedly a kind of sap in stones as well as in timber, by which the same sort of stone, taken out of the same quarry, at one season, will moulder away in a few winters, but, when dug out in another season, will resist the weather for many ages: stones should always be dug in the spring, that they may have time to dry before the cold weather comes in; for the heat of the sun will extract the greatest part of the moisture, which otherwise expands in frosty weather, and causes the stone to splinter, although it be otherwise hard and good.
As stones lie in the quarries in horizontal beds or strata, (that is, they cleave in that direction) and have likewise a breaking vein, which is perpendicular to the former; both these directions must be observed in cleaving, as well as in raising them out of their beds. Stones that will not easily cleave must be blown up by gunpowder.
Marble, is of various sorts and colors; the most beautiful of which is exported from Italy. The marble found in England is mostly blackish, and so very hard and difficult to polish, that very little use is made of it, except to burn and make lime. The American marbles are various, and every day produces new discoveries of marbles of the most beautiful colors.
Fire-Stone, orSoap Stone, serves chiefly for chimneys, hearths, ovens, furnaces, and stoves; being a dry, porous, gritty stone, which bears the heat without breaking: on account of this quality, it is calledfire-stone.
Purbeck-Stone, is a hard, greyish stone, and serves chiefly for paving, coping of walls, and for all such other uses where strength is required, it being the most hard and durable stone.
Rag-Stone, is of a bluish color, and commonly used in paving: but there is a stone calledKentish rag, that is very useful in building: it splits very easily, and yet is very hard.
Free-Stone, more generally calledPortland stone: it is a fine whitish stone, without any veins. This stone is very soft when it comes out of the quarry, is easy to be worked, and becomes very hard in time. Hence it is very fit for military works.
Gypsum, is a clear whitish stone, not unlike coarse marble. It is plentiful in some parts of Italy; in France; and very abundant in Nova Scotia, whence it has been lately imported to a vast amount to be pulverised for manure; it is to be had in great abundance in Scotland, and makes the very best lime.
Whin, orAberdeen whin, is of a greyish color, intermixed with veins, not unlike coarse marble. This stone is the fittest of any for military works: because it withstands the weather, and the violence of the waves, better than any stone found in England.
STOPPAGES, in the British service, deductions from a soldier’s pay, the better to provide him with necessaries, &c. A soldier should never be put under a greater weekly stoppage from his pay, than what will afterwards leave him a sufficiency for messing.
There shall be stopped out of the pay of an artillery soldier, (beer money included) the sum of 5 shillings and one penny per week, to be applied towards the expence of his mess, (including vegetables &c.) A sum not exceeding one shilling and six pence per week shall be retained for necessaries, to be accounted for, as usual, monthly. The remainder, amounting to 3s.10³⁄₄d.per week, shall be paid to the soldier, subject to the accustomed deduction for washing, &c. or articles for cleaning his clothes and appointments. Stoppages for rations for man and horse. See the wordRation.
Stoppage, for the subsistence of thesickin the British army. In the regulations for the better management of the sick in regimental hospitals, it is particularly laid down, under the head subsistence, page 16, that sufficient funds should be established for the support of the sick without any additional charge to government; and at the same time, that the sick soldier should be provided with every reasonable comfort and indulgence that can be afforded. The sum of four shillings per week from the pay of each soldier will, under proper regulations, and with strict economy, be sufficient for this purpose; which sum is to be retained by the paymaster of the regiment.
The sick are to be furnished with bread made of the finest wheat flour, and fresh meat, perfectly good and wholesome.
That the greatest economy may be used in laying out the money for the sick, everyarticle ought to be purchased by the surgeon, who is required to keep a book, in which he is to enter the amount of the weekly consumption of each man according to the diet table; and this book, with the diet table, is to be laid before the commanding officer and paymaster every week to be examined and signed by each; and it is of the utmost importance to the welfare of the service, that every commanding officer, and every regimental paymaster, should superintend the expenditure.
STOPPER. A piece of wood or cork, made to fit the bore of a musquet barrel, which soldiers use in wet weather; and on other occasions, when the piece is not loaded, to prevent moisture and dust from getting into the barrel.
STORE-keeper, inwar time, must take care of the stores in the magazines, such as the provisions, forage, &c. receive the same from contractors, and deliver them out to the troops. He has several clerks under him, appointed to the different departments, of provisions, hay, straw, oats, &c. In time of peace he has charge of all the public stores, belonging both to land and sea service.
STOREHOUSE. SeeMagazine.
STORES,Military, are provisions, forage, arms, clothing, ammunition, &c.
MedicalStoreson board transports.—Certain articles of diet which are put on board each transport, are so called. These are to be considered as intended solely for the use of the sick, or convalescents; they are to remain in the charge of the master of the transport, and only to be issued upon demand in writing made by the surgeon from time to time as he shall judge proper; or, when there is no surgeon, upon demand of the commanding officer. And the surgeon or commanding officer is to give the master at the end of the voyage, a certificate that his demands for the said medical stores have been made only upon proper occasions, and have not been expended for any other use, than that of the sick, or convalescent.
ToSTORM, inmilitary matters, to make a violent assault on any fortified place, or works.
Stormingparty. A select body of men, consisting generally of the grenadiers, who first enter the breach, &c.
STRAGGLERS. Men who wander from the line of march. It is the business of the rear guard to pick up all stragglers, &c.
STRAPONTIN,Fr.A sort of hammock which is used in hot countries, &c. SeeHammock.
STRATAGEM, inwar, any scheme or plan for the deceiving and surprising an army, or any body of men. SeeSurprise.
Stratagemsin war, (Stratagêmes de guerre,Fr.) Certain feints which are resorted to by able generals, &c. to cover their real designs during the operations of a campaign. It is impossible to lay down any specific rules on this head, as every general, according to the capacity and activity of his mind, makes use of the various means and expedients which grow out of times, circumstances, and occasions. It has been asserted by some writers, that all sorts of stratagems, even those which are connected with treachery may be adopted for the accomplishment of any design. This maxim is, however, strongly combated against by those who have written upon the law of nations. Probity, in fact, and elevation of mind, (which are superior to the pitiful measures of treacherous affiliation or intercourse,) should always bear the ascendancy in human actions. There are stratagems which may be practised and carried on, without the least deviation from honor and good faith. Many distinguished generals have had recourse to these; but none ever succeeded so well as Hannibal. Wishing to cross the river Rhone, and being in want of almost every article that was necessary to effect the passage in the presence of an enemy who was diligently watching his motions, he caused him to imagine that it was his intention to keep the ground he occupied. He ordered large fires to be lighted up in different quarters of his camp, and directed some of his troops to shout and make loud noises, as if they were perfectly stationary. During this apparent state of inactivity, he broke up his camp, marched up the river side, and crossed it at a place where it was least expected he would make the attempt.