TRECHETOR,-TRECHEUR,
One who betrays a place, or body of men. An obsolete word.
TREFLE,Fr.Trefoil. A term used in mining, from the similarity of the figure to trefoil. The simple trefle has only two lodgments; the double trefle four; and the triple one six.
TREILLAGE,Fr.Any assemblage of wood which is laid cross-ways. Ofwhich description are the palisadoes, &c. in gardens
TREILLIS,Fr.A general term for iron grating, &c. Such as is used for prisons.
Treillis,Fr.The method that is used in copying plans, &c. It consists of a certain arrangement of strait lines, which being measured at equal distances from one another, and crossed from right to left, represents a quantity of small equal squares. This arrangement or disposition of lines is used by painters, engravers, and engineers, in taking accurate copies of plans, &c. and is called by the FrenchTreillis.
TREILLISER. To trellis. To furnish with a trellis.
TREMEAU,Fr.An ancient term in fortification. SeeMortar.
TRENCHANT. Sharp or cutting.
TRENCHES, in a siege, are ditches made by the besiegers, that they may approach more securely to the place attacked; on which account they are also called lines of approach. The tail of the trench is the place where it was begun, and its head is the place where it ends.
Trenches are also made to guard an encampment.
The trenches are usually opened or begun in the night time, sometimes within musquet shot, and sometimes within half or whole cannon shot of the place; generally about 800 toises. They are carried on in winding lines, nearly parallel to the works, so as not to be in view of the enemy, nor exposed to the enemy’s shot.
The workmen employed in the trenches are always supported by a number of troops to defend them against the sallies of the besieged. The pioneers, and other workmen, sometimes work on their knees, and are usually covered with mantlets or saucissons; and the troops who support them lie flat on their faces, in order to avoid the enemy’s shot. On the angles or sides of the trench, there are lodgments, or epaulements, in form of traverses, the better to hinder the sallies of the garrison, and to favor the advancement of the trenches, and to sustain the workmen.
The platforms for the batteries are made behind the trenches; the first at a good distance, to be used only against the sallies of the garrison. As the approaches advance, the batteries are brought nearer, to ruin the defences of the place, and dismount the artillery of the besieged. The breach batteries are made when the trenches are advanced near the covert-way.
If there are two attacks, it will be necessary to have lines of communication, or boyaus, between the two, with places of arms at convenient distances. The trenches are 6 or 7 feet high with the parapet, which is 5 feet thick, with banquettes for the soldiers to mount upon.
The approaches at a siege are generally carried on upon the capitals of the works attacked; because the capitals produced are, of all other situations in the front of a work, the least exposed to the fire of either the cannon or musquetry; and are the least in the line of fire between the besieged and besieger’s batteries. But if, from particular circumstances, these or other advantages do not attend the approaches upon the capitals, they are by no means to be preferred to other positions.
The trenches of communication, or zig-zags, are 3 feet deep, 10 feet wide at bottom, and 13 feet at top, having a berm of one foot, beyond which the earth is thrown to form a parapet.
The parallels or places of arms of the trenches are 3 feet deep, 12 feet wide at bottom, and 17 or 18 feet wide at top, having a banquette of about 3 feet wide, with a slope of nearly as much. SeeSap.
The first night of opening the trenches, the greatest exertions are made to take advantage of the enemy’s ignorance as to the side of attack; and they are generally carried on as far in advance as the first parallel, and even sometimes to the completion of that work. The workmen set out on this duty, each with a fascine of 6 feet, a pick axe, and a shovel; and the fascines being laid so as to lap one foot over each other, leave 5 feet of trench for each man to dig.
The usual method of directing the trenches or zig-zags is, by observing during the day some near object in a line with the salient parts of the work, and which may serve as a direction in the night; or if the night be not very dark, the angles of the works may be seen above the horizon; but as both these methods are subject to uncertainty, the following is proposed to answer every case:—Having laid down the plan of attack, the exact positions of the flanked angles of the works of the front attacked, and particularly of those most extended to the right and left; marked on the plan the point of commencement for the first portions of zig-zag, the point where it crosses the capital, 2nd the point to which it extends on the other side of the capital: this last point will be the commencement of the second branch: then mark off the point where this branch crosses the capital, and its extent on the other side; and this will give the commencement of the third branch; and so on for the others. Thus provided with a plan ready marked off, it will be very easy, even in the darkest night, to lay down the points where the zig-zags are to cross the capital, and the points to which they are to be produced beyond them. The first parallel is generally run about 600 yards from the place, and of such extent as to embrace the prolongation of the faces of all the works which fire upon the trenches; andeach end has a return of about 30 or 40 yards.
The second parallel is constructed upon the same principles, and of the same extent as the first, at the distance of about 300 yards from the salient angles of the covert-way. This parallel is usually formed of gabions; each workman carrying a gabion, a fascine, a shovel, and a pick axe. After this the trenches are carried on by sap.
The half parallels are about 140 or 150 yards from the covert-way, and extend sufficiently on each side to embrace the prolongation of the branches of the covert-way.
The third parallel must not be nearer than the foot of the glacis, or it will mask the ricochet batteries. It is generally made rather wider than the other parallels.
Cavaliers of the trenches must not be nearer than 28 yards from the covert-way, or they will be liable to be annoyed by hand grenades.
Returns of aTrench, are the elbows and turnings, which form the lines of approach, and are made, as near as can be, parallel to the place, to prevent their being enfiladed.
To mount theTrenches, is to mount guard in the trenches, which is generally done in the night.
To relieve theTrenches, is to relieve the guard of the trenches.
To scour theTrenches, is to make a vigorous sally upon the guard of the trenches, force them to give way, and quit their ground, drive away the workmen, break down the parapet, fill up the trench, and spike their cannon.
Counter-Trenches, are trenches made against the besiegers; which consequently have their parapets turned against the enemy’s approaches, and are enfiladed from the several parts of the place, on purpose to render them useless to the enemy, if they should chance to become masters of them; but they should not be enfiladed, or commanded by any height in the enemy’s possession.
To open theTrenches, is to break ground for the purpose of carrying on approaches towards a besieged place.
TRENTE-six mois,Fr.Thirty-six months. A sea phrase. By this term was understood among the French, before the revolution,Un Engagé, a person who hired himself for that period to another, on condition that the latter defrayed his passage to the East Indies; after the expiration of which term the former was at liberty to settle in that country.
TREPAN,Fr.An instrument which is used to find out the quality of any ground into which beams or sticks are to be driven. Also an instrument used in surgery.
TREPIGNER,Fr.. To clatter. In horsemanship it is used to describe the action of a horse who beats the dust with his fore-feet in managing, without embracing the vault; who makes his motions and time short and near the ground, without being put upon his haunches. This defect is usually occasioned by a weakness in the shoulders.
TRESOR,Fr.The military chest.
TRESORIER,Fr.Paymaster. There were formerly on the French military establishment two classes of paymasters, viz.Trésoriers de l’ordinaire, ettrésoriers de l’extraordinaire, paymasters or treasurers for the ordinary expences of the service, and ditto for the extraordinary. The latter were accountable to government for a just distribution of stores and provisions, and gave in their estimates and vouchers to the comptroller general’s office in Paris. These were formerly calledClercs du trésoroupayeurs, clerks attached to the military chest or paymasters. They were partly the same as our paymasters and commissaries-general on service.
During the monarchy in France there were several treasurers or paymasters-general in ordinary belonging to the army, who had their several departments, viz.
Tresoriersde la gendarmerie et des troupes de la maison du roi,Fr.Treasurers or paymasters attached to the gens d’armes and the king’s household.
Tresoriersde l’extraordinaire des guerres,Fr.Treasurers or paymasters of the extraordinaries of the army.
Tresoriersdes Maréchaussées de France,Fr.Treasurers or paymasters of the marshalsey or armed police of France.
Tresorierspayeurs des troupes,Fr.Treasurers or paymasters-general of the forces.
Tresoriersdes gratifications,Fr.Treasurers or paymasters of compensations, gratuities, &c.
Tresoriersde la prévôté de l’Hotel,Fr.Treasurers or paymasters of the provost-marshal’s department at the hotel or town hall in Paris.
LeTRESORIERgénéral de l’artillerie,Fr.The treasurer or paymaster-general of the artillery.
LeTRESORIERgénéral des fortifications,Fr.The treasurer or paymaster-general of fortifications.
All these treasurers or paymasters were subject to their several comptrollers of accounts, and their issues, &c. were audited accordingly. There were likewise provincial or subordinate paymasters of the extraordinaries of the army. They were appointed by the treasurers or paymasters-general, and resided in the different departments and general districts of the kingdom. These appointments fell, of course, at the revolution, and they have since been replaced by a more simple and economical consolidation. The artillery has still its separate treasurer or paymaster. The district paymasters,which have been established in Great Britain, &c. during the present war, seem manifestly to have taken their origin from the old French arrangement.
TREVET. Any thing that stands upon three legs. An iron instrument to set a pot or saucepan on over the fire. It is likewise used in field-ovens.
TREUIL,Fr.A roll, an axle-tree, &c.
TRIAIRES,Fr.SeeTriarii.
TRIAL. Test, examination, experiment. It is in the power of the president to dismiss an officer from the regular, militia, or volunteer service, without any species of investigation or trial. SeeCourts Martial,&c.
TRIANGLE, (Triangle,Fr.) The triangle may be considered as the most simple of all figures. It is composed of three lines and three angles, and is either plain or spherical.
A plainTRIANGLEis one that is contained under three right lines.
A sphericalTRIANGLEis a triangle that is contained under three arches of a great circle or sphere.
A right-angledTRIANGLEis one which has one right angle.
An acute-angledTRIANGLEis one that has all its angles acute.
An obtuse-angledTRIANGLEis that which has one obtuse angle.
An oblique-angledTRIANGLEis a triangle that is not right angled.
An equilatedTRIANGLEis one whose sides are all equal.
An isoscelesTRIANGLE,-An equileggedTRIANGLE,
A triangle that has only two legs or sides equal.
A scalenusTRIANGLE. One that has not two sides equal.
SimilarTRIANGLESare such as have all their three angles respectively equal to one another.
Triangle.The psaltery of the Scriptures. A small triangular piece of metal, which is used in military bands, emitting a sharp reverberating sound in concord with the rest of the music.
Trianglelikewise means a wooden instrument consisting of three poles which are fastened at top in such a manner, that they may spread at bottom in a triangular form, and by means of spikes affixed to each pole, remain firm in the earth. An iron bar, breast high, goes across one side of the triangle. The triangles are used in the British army for the purpose of inflicting the barbarous and unmilitary punishment of whipping; a usage which is rendered the more odious by a comparison of the valor and discipline of the French, who do not allow of any such punishments. To the shame of the United States, the practice is tolerated even by law at this moment!
Shake theTRIANGLE. A phrase in the British army, applied to the condition of a man who is whipped with corded lashes on the bare back till he falls into convulsions; when he is said to shake the triangle. Where such barbarity is thecostumeit is not surprising that they are always beaten in the field.
TRIANON,Fr.A generical French term signifying any pavilion that stands in a park, and is unconnected with the castle or main building. Of this description was the French queen’s petit trianon in the neighborhood of Versailles.
TRIARII. Soldiers so called among the Romans. According to Kennett, the Triarii were commonly veterans, or hardy old soldiers, of long experience and approved valor. They had their name from their position, being marshalled in the third place, as the main strength and hopes of their party. They were armed with a pike, a shield, a helmet, and a cuirass. They are sometimes calledPilatii, from their weapon the Pila. SeeKennett’s Roman Ant.p. 190. They were likewise stiledTiertiarii. A certain number of these veterans was always distributed in each cohort.
Polybius, in his 6th book, classes the Roman troops under four different heads; the first he callsPilatiorVelites, light-armed men, selected from the lower order of the people, and generally composed of the youngest men in the army. The second class, consisting of pikemen,Hastati, were more advanced in age, and had more experience. The third class, calledPrincipes, were still older, and more warlike than the second.
The fourth class consisted of the oldest, most experienced, and bravest soldiers. These were always posted in the third rank, as a reserve, to support the others in case they gave way. Hence their appellation oftriariiortiertiarii; and hence the Roman proverb,Ad triarium ventum est, signifying thereby, that the last efforts were being made. Thetriariiwere likewise namedpost signani, from being posted in the rear of theprincepswho carried the standard in a legion.
TRIBUNE, (Tribun,Fr.) A title which was originally given to certain Roman magistrates, who were established for the specific purpose of maintaining the rights of the tribes or mass of the people, in opposition to the possible encroachments of the aristocracy or patricians, on which account they were stiled the tribunes of the people,les tribuns du peuple. The number, at first, was limited to two; but they were subsequently augmented to ten. There were likewise military tribunes,tribuns militaires. These held commands of considerable extent in the Roman armies.
TRIBUNATE, (Tribunat,Fr.) The office of tribune.
TRICKER,-TRIGGER,
(Deténte,Fr.) The catch, which being pulled, disengages the cock of a gun-lock, that it may strike fire.
HairTrigger, (détente à cheveux,Fr.) The hair trigger is generally used forrifles, when there is a great nicety required in shooting. The difference between a hair-trigger and a common trigger is this—the hair-trigger, when set, lets off the cock by the slightest touch, whereas the common trigger requires a considerable degree of force, and consequently is longer in its operation.
TRICOISSES,Fr.Pincers used by farriers.
TRICOT,Fr.A cudgel.
TRICOLORE,Fr.Three-colored. Hence the tricolor-cockade, which was adopted by the French at the commencement of their revolution. It consists ofsky-blue,pink, andwhiteand was emblematical of the three estates, nobility, clergy, and people. The armies still wear the tricolor, although the first order, or the nobility, was abolished 10th of August, 1792; however, Bonaparte has re-established a new nobility, and a new device on his standards, which is an eagle; conformable to his peculiar interests or policy.
TRIER,Fr.To pick and chuse. Hence,trier les plus beaux soldats, to pick out the finest soldiers.Triageis used as the substantive, signifying the act of picking and chusing.
TRIGON, a triangle. Hence,
TRIGONOMETRY, (Trigonométrie,Fr.) The art of measuring triangles, or of calculating the sides of any triangle sought. This is either plain or spherical.
TRILATERAL. Having three sides.
TRIMESTRE,Fr.A space of three months.
TRINGLE. In architecture, a name common to several little square members or ornaments, as reglets, listels, and platbands. It is more particularly used for a little member fixed exactly over every triglyph, under the platband of the architrave; from whence hang down the guttæ or pendent drops.
Tringle,Fr.A wooden rule.
TRINGLER,Fr.To draw a strait line upon wood by means of a stretched piece of packthread, or cord that is chalked.
TRINOME,Fr.A word used among the French, in algebra, to express any quantity which is produced by the addition of three numbers or quantities that are incommensurable.
TRINOMIAL, orTrinomialroot, in mathematics, is a root consisting of three parts, connected together by the signs + or -, as x + y + z, or x - y - z.
TRINQUET,Fr.A word used in the Levant to signify the mizen or foremast of a ship.
TRINQUETTE,Fr.A sail used on board the ships in the Levant, which is of a triangular shape.
TRIOMPHE,Fr.SeeTriumph.
Arc deTriomphe,Fr.A triumphal arch.
TRIPASTE,Fr.A machine which consists of three pullies, and is used in raising of heavy weights.
TRIQUE,Fr.A large cudgel.
TRIQUE-BAL,Fr.A sling cart or machine which is used to convey pieces of ordnance from one quarter to another.
TRIREME,Fr.A galley with three benches for rowers.
TRISECTION, (Trisection,Fr.) The division of a thing into three. The term is chiefly used in geometry for the partition of an angle into three equal parts.
The trisection of an angle geometrically, is one of those great problems whose solution has been so much sought by mathematicians; being in this respect on a footing with the quadrature of the circle, and the duplicature of the cube angle.
TRIUMPH. A solemnity practised by the ancient Romans, to do honor to a victorious general.
There were two sorts of triumphs, the greater and the lesser, particularly called ovation; of these the triumph was by much the more splendid procession. None were capable of this honor but the dictator, consuls, and prætors; though there are examples to the contrary, as particularly in Pompey the Great, who had a triumph decreed him when he was only a Roman knight, and had not yet reached the senatorial age.
The triumph was the most pompous show among the ancients: authors usually attribute its invention to Bacchus, and tell us, that he first triumphed upon the conquest of the Indies; and yet this ceremony was only in use among the Romans. The Grecians had a custom which resembled the Roman triumph; for the conquerors used to make a procession through the middle of their city, crowned with garlands, repeating hymns and songs, and brandishing their spears: their captives were also led by them, and all their spoils exposed to public view. The order of a Roman triumph was chiefly thus: the senate having decreed the general a triumph, and appointed a day, they went out of the city gate and marched in order with him through the city. The cavalcade was led up by the musicians, who had crowns on their heads; and after them came several chariots with plans and maps of the cities and countries subdued, done in relievo: they were followed by the spoils taken from the enemy; their horses, arms, gold, silver, machines, tents, &c. After these came the kings, princes, or generals subdued, loaded with chains, and followed by mimics or buffoons, who exulted over their misfortunes. Next came the officers of the conquering troops, with crowns on their heads. Then appeared the triumphal chariot, in which was the conqueror, richly clad in a purple robe, embroidered with gold, setting forth his glorious atchievements. His buskins were beset with pearl, and he wore acrown, which at first was only laurel, but afterwards gold; one hand held a laurel branch, the other a truncheon. His children were sometimes at his feet, and sometimes on the chariot-horses. As the triumphal chariot passed along, the people strewed flowers before it. The music played in praise of the conqueror, amidst the loud acclamations of the people, crying, to triumph. The chariot was followed by the senate clad in white robes; and the senate by such citizens as had been set at liberty or ransomed. The procession was closed by the sacrifices, and their officers and utensils, with a white ox led along for the chief victim. In the mean time all the temples were open, and the altars were loaded with offerings and incense; games and combats were celebrated in the public places, and rejoicings appeared every where.
TRIUMVIRI, orTresviri Capitales. Men employed among the ancient Romans to preserve the public peace, &c. For particulars, see Kennett’s Roman Antiquities, page 121. They likewise signify the three persons, Cæsar, Crassus, and Pompey, who seized on the government of the republic, and divided it among them. Hence,
TRIUMVIRATE(Triumvirat,Fr.) An absolute government administered by three persons with equal authority. There are two triumvirates particularly recorded in history: Pompey, Cæsar, and Crassus, who had all served the republic as generals of marked reputation, in the first instance; and Augustus, Mark Antony, and Lepidus, in the second.
TROCHLEA. One of the mechanical powers usually called a pulley.
TROCHOID, in mathematics. The same as cycloid.
TROCHOLIQUE,Fr.A name used among the French for that branch of mathematics which treats of circular movements.
TROMBE,Fr.A water-spout. It is likewise calledSiphonorSyphon.
TROMPE,Fr.In architecture; an arch which grows wider towards the top.
Trompes,Fr.In artificial fireworks; a collection ofpots à feu, or fire-pots so arranged, that upon the first being inflamed, a ready communication takes place with the rest, and the explosion is successively effected.
TROMPETTE,Fr.This word, which signifies trumpet, is applied by the French, not only to the instrument, but to the man who blows it; in the same manner that we say fifes and drums, for fifers and drummers; but we do not say trumpet for trumpeter.Trompette, when used in this sense, is of the masculine gender.
Trompettesonnante,Fr.With sound of trumpet, or trumpet sounding.
Trompetteparlante,Fr.A speaking trumpet. This instrument is generally used at sea; and owes its invention to an Englishman.
Deloger sansTROMPETTE,Fr.To steal away, to take French leave.
TROMPILLON,Fr.The diminutive of trompe. A term used in architecture, which owes its origin to the resemblance that exists between the wide part of a trumpet, and the arch or vault so called.
TROOP, in cavalry. A certain number of men on horseback who form a component part of a squadron. It is the same, with respect to formation, as company in the infantry. When a troop dismounts and acts on foot, it is still called a troop.
Troop.A certain beat of the drum. SeeDrum.
ToTROOPthe colors. SeeColors.
Troops.The same ascopiæin Latin. Any collective body of soldiers.
HeavyTROOPS. Soldiers armed and accoutred for the purpose of acting together, in line, &c.
LightTROOPS, (Troupes legères,Fr.) Hussars, light horse, mounted riflemen, light infantry are so called, in opposition to cavalry or heavy horse. Skirmishing is solely the business of light horse, who, according to count Turpin, should be constantly exposed as the forlorn hope of the army; or as troops whose duty it is to be continually watchful for its repose and security.
When the light horse compose an advanced camp, the men should keep their horses constantly saddled; it being only an indulgence to allow those off duty to have their horses unsaddled. It is very true, that a camp of cavalry cannot be managed after the same manner; but then cavalry is seldom so situated as to be attacked, or to attack every day, which is the real business of light horse. They should serve as vedets to the whole army, in order to prevent the enemy from approaching it; whereas cavalry should never be employed, but in the greatest operations; and on occasions which are to decide the fate of a campaign.
Light troops, according to the same writer, are employed to gain intelligence concerning the enemy, to learn whether he hath decamped, whether he hath built any bridges, and other things of the same nature, of which the general must necessarily be informed, and should have a day fixed for this return. There are other detachments, which should be sent out under intelligent officers, and which should never lose sight of the enemy, in order to send in daily intelligence, to attack small convoys and baggage, to pick up marauders, and harrass the advanced guards. There should not be any time fixed for the return of these detachments, neither should they be confined to particular places; they should, however, return to the camp at the expiration of eight or ten days at farthest. The inconvenience, arising from confining these detachmentsto a particular time, would perhaps be, that the very day appointed for their return, would be that on which they might have the fairest opportunity of learning intelligence of the enemy: consequently their being forced to return, would defeat the objects for which they were sent out. See page 122, vol. II. of Count Turpin’s Art of War. SeeAm. Mil. Lib.
LightTROOPShave been sometimes called irregulars, as they act in detached and loose bodies. The tirailleurs, Tyrolians, Yagers, sharp-shooters, and theChasseurs a cheval et a pied, to which the French owe so much during the whole course of their stupendous revolution, were of this description. What was called advancingen masse, by the French, was nothing more than very large bodies of irregulars (or light troops), which covered the country, in the front of their armies, like an inundation. To their irregulars, and to their light artillery are the French indebted for most of the victories they have gained. The troops stiled in France chasseurs, are, more or less, to be met with in every service in Europe, except the British. The Austrians have many regiments of them; the Prussians have them attached, in a certain proportion, to each corps; but the French, seeing the good effect of these irregulars, have brought them more into the field than all the combined powers together.
The operations in the spring of 1794, were in an open country near Cambray; the French then felt the superiority of the enemy’s cavalry; and saw that the irregulars, with which the French army abounded, were useless, and would continue so, unless they could force the British to make war in an enclosed country; and this they effected by obliging them to return into Flanders, to protect their magazines, and cover their communication with them. That country is much inclosed; and there all the irregulars could act. From that hour the British constantly lost ground, holding only those points they thought proper to cover with works; and in the short space of a few weeks, it may be said in a few days, those armies which had been acting offensively, were actually obliged to act defensively. Was that army diminished by slaughter or sickness? No: but the French armies, it is said, were increased: true; and with what? Irregulars: requisition men or volunteers; first without discipline, but not without ardor to fight: and from the moment the British commenced their sad retreat from Tournay, till they arrived near Breda, nothing was to be seen but the French irregular troops, that is tirailleurs or riflemen.
TROOPER, (Cavalier,Fr.) A horse soldier. According to Dr. Johnson, a trooper fights only on horseback; a dragoon marches on horseback, but fights either as a horseman or footman. There is no such thing as a trooper in the British service. The Blues were the last corps that deserved that appellation; but they now act, like the rest of the cavalry, on foot.
TROPHEE,Fr.SeeTrophy.
FaireTROPHEE,Fr.To glory in.
TROPHY. Something taken from an enemy, and shewn or treasured up in proof of victory. Among the ancients, it consisted of a pile or heap of arms of a vanquished enemy, raised by the conqueror in the most eminent part of the field of battle.
The trophies were usually dedicated to some of the gods, especially to Jupiter. The name of the deity to whom they were inscribed, was generally mentioned, as was that also of the conqueror. The spoils were first hung upon the trunk of a tree; but instead of trees, succeeding ages erected pillars of stone or brass, to perpetuate the memory of their victories. To demolish a trophy was looked upon as a sacrilege, because they were all consecrated to some deity.
Trophy-money. Certain money annually raised in several countries towards providing artillery harness, and maintaining the militia.
TROPIQUE,Fr.Tropic. It is likewise used as an adjective, and signifies tropical.
Baptême duTROPIQUE,Fr.The ceremony which is performed when a person crosses the line for the first time.
TROSSERS,-TROUSE,TROWSERS,
kind of breeches reaching down to the ankles, worn by some regiments of infantry and light cavalry. SeePantaloon.
TROTTOIR,Fr.Footway. It more properly means a raised pavement on the sides of a street or bridge, for the convenience of foot passengers.
TROU,Fr.A hole.
Troude mineur,Fr.A lodgement which is made for the safety and convenience of a miner, when he first begins his operation.
Troude loup. A cone reversed. Diameter of the base 4 feet 6 inches: depth 6 feet; picket 6 feet long, and from 4 to 5 inches square; contain ³⁄₄ of a cubic fathom of earth, and are usually placed 2 in 3 fathoms.
TROUBLESOME, from the verb to trouble. Importunate, teazing, full of molestation. This word is frequently misapplied in military matters. Many officers who have the public service of their country at heart, are improperly calledtroublesome, because they will not add, by negligence or connivance, to the too frequent abuses which exist in the interior economy of military establishment.
TROUGH. A hollow wooden vessel to knead bread in. It is used among the utensils of field bakery.
TROUPES,Fr.Troops, forces.
Troupeslegeres,Fr.Light troops.
TROUS-DE-LOUP, in field fortifications,are round holes, about 6 feet deep, and pointed at the bottom, with a stake placed in the middle. They are frequently dug round a redoubt, to obstruct the enemy’s approach. They are circular at the top, of about 4¹⁄₂ feet diameter.
TROUSSE,Fr.A quiver. It also signifies any bundle of things tied together, viz.Une trousse de foin, a bundle of hay. SeeTruss.
TROUSSEAU,Fr.A long piece of wood in the shape of a cane, that is, having one end smaller than the other, which is used in foundries to make cannon-moulds.
TROUSSEPAS,Fr.A sort of iron spade which is used in cutting turf.
TRUCE, (Treve,Fr.) A suspension of arms, or a cessation of hostilities, between two armies, in order to settle articles of peace, bury the dead, &c.
TRUCK. Wooden wheels for the carriage of cannon, &c.
Trucksof a ship-carriage, are wheels made of one piece of wood, from 12 to 19 inches diameter; and their thickness is always equal to the calibre of the gun.
The trucks of garrison-carriages are sometimes made of cast iron.
A truck-carriage goes upon four trucks of 24 inches diameter; has two flat side pieces of ten inches broad, and serves to carry guns, ammunition boxes, or any other weights, from the store houses to the water side, or to any small distance.
ToTRUCKLE. This word is adopted from the trucklebed, which is a low mean bed that can be pushed under another. Hence,
ToTRUCKLETO. To submit to; to allow the superiority of another.
TRUEBORN. According to Dr. Johnson, having a right by birth to any title.
TRUELLE,Fr.A trowel.
TRULL. A vagrant strumpet; or one that has promiscuous dealings upon the road or elsewhere, with men of all descriptions. Hence, a soldier’s trull. In every well regulated camp and garrison the utmost precaution should be taken, to prevent these wretches from having the least intercourse with the soldiery. Notwithstanding the presumed, or reputed immorality of the French nation, the strictest regard was paid to the character and health of their armies. During the monarchy, prostitutes were publicly exposed upon a wooden horse. SeeCheval de Bois.
TRUMEAU,Fr.In architecture, the space in a wall which is between two windows. It also signifies a pier-glass.
TRUMPET, orTrump. A wind instrument made of brass or silver, with a mouth piece to take out and put in at pleasure. Each troop of cavalry has one.
TRUMPETER. The soldier who sounds the trumpet.
TRUMPETSoundings. SeeSoundings.
TRUNCHEON. A club; a cudgel; also a staff of command. Thetruncheonwas for several ages the sign of office; generals were presented with the truncheon as the sign of investiture with command; and all those officers who belonged to the suite of the general, and were not attached to regiments, carried atruncheonorstaff, whence the name of officers of thestaff. SeeBatoon.
ToTruncheon. To beat with a truncheon. Dr. Johnson has quoted a passage out of Shakespeare, which is extremely apposite to those blustering imposing characters that sometimes annoy public places, and commit swindling acts of depredation under the assumed title of captain.Captain! thou abominable cheater! if captains were of my mind, they would truncheon you out of taking their names upon you before you earned them!
TRUNCHEONEER. One armed with a truncheon.
TRUNNIONS, in guns. Two cylindric pieces of metal in a gun, mortar, or howitzer, which project from pieces of ordnance, and by which they are supported upon their carriages. SeeCannon.
Trunnion-plates, are two plates in travelling carriages, mortars, and howitzers, which cover the upper parts of the side-pieces, and go under the trunnions. The French have made improvements on this article; they have two pair oftrunnionplates; one pair, in which the gun is placed foraction; the gun is removed into the other fortravelling; and are so denominated. SeeAm. Mil. Lib.
TRUSQUINS,Fr.Tools made use of by carpenters and joiners. They are calledtrusquins d’assemblage, and trusquinsà longue pointe.
TRUSS. A bundle; as a bundle of hay or straw. Any thing thrust close together. Trusses of this description have been sometimes used in military affairs. The men carrying them in front for the purpose of deadening shot.
Trussof forage, is as much as a trooper can carry on his horse’s crupper. SeeSpun Hay.
ToTRUST. To give credit to, on promise of payment. No soldier shall be liable to be arrested for a sum under 20l.and then an oath of the debt must be made before a magistrate.
TRUSTY. Honest; faithful; true; fit to be trusted. This word is used in the preamble of military commissions, &c. viz. To ourtrusty and well beloved.
TUBE,Fr.A pipe, a siphon. It is particularly applied to optical instruments.
Tubesof tin plates are the best for service. Tubes must pass through a guage of ²⁄₁₀ of an inch diameter. The composition is mealed powder, mixt up stiff with spirits of wine. They are made up in bundles of 100 each.
Length of tin tubes.
If tin tubes get damaged by wet, the composition may be cleared out of them, and they may be fresh filled. If spirits of wine cannot be had, good rum or brandy will answer the purpose.
TUCDUMMA,Ind.An account which is closed, after it has been examined.
TUCK. A long narrow sword.
TUDESQUE,Fr.Teutonic; Germanic.
TUERIE,Fr.Slaughter; massacre.
TUF. A soft sandy stone which answers two purposes, either to build upon or to build with. It is likewisetufeau. The French say, figuratively,C’est un homme de tuf—He is a man of no depth or profound knowlege.
TUG,Fr.A Turkish term for tail; a sort of standard called so by the Turks. It consists of a horse’s tail which is fixed to a long pole or half pike, by means of a gold button. The origin of this standard is curious. It is said, that the Christians having given battle to the Turks, the latter were broken, and in the midst of their confusion lost their grand standard. The Turkish general, being extremely agitated at the untoward circumstances which happened, most especially by the loss of the great standard, cut off a horse’s tail with his sabre, fixed it to a half pike, and holding it in his hand, rode furiously towards the fugitives and exclaimed—Here is the great standard; let those who love me, follow into action!This produced the desired effect. The Turks rallied with redoubled courage, rushed into the thickest of the enemy, and not only gained the victory, but recovered their standard. Other writers assert, that six thousand Turks having been taken prisoners during a general engagement, contrived to escape from their guard or escort, and afterwards fought so gallantly, that they regained another battle; that in order to recognize one another, they cut off a horse’s tail which they carried as a standard; that when they joined the Ottoman army, they still made use of the tug or tail; that the Turks, in consequence of the victory which was obtained under this new standard, looked upon it as a happy omen; and that since that period they have always fought under it as their banner, and the signal of success.
Whatever may have been the origin, it is certain, that when the Grand Signor takes the field in person, seven of these tails are always carried before him; and when he is in camp, they are planted in front of his tent.
The Grand Visier is entitled to three of these tails.
The three principal bashaws of the empire, (viz. those of Bagdad, Grand Cairo, and Breda,) have the grand signor’s permission to use this mark of distinction, throughout the whole extent of their jurisdiction.
Those bashaws that are not visiers, have the privilege of having two tails.
The beys, who are subordinate to the bashaws, have only one.
In the bas-relievo which is under the tomb-stone of John Casimir, king of Poland, in the abbey church ofSt. Germain des Prés de Paris, that monarch is represented at the head of his cavalry, with a horse’s tail or tug for its standard.
TUGPINS, are the iron pins which pass through the fore end of the shafts of the army carts, to fasten the draught chains for the fore horses.
TUILE,Fr.A tile.
Tuilecreuse,Fr.A gutter tile.
Tuilede petit moule,Fr.A tile measuring about ten inches in length, and six in breadth. About 300 cover a square toise.
Tuilede grand moule,Fr.A tile measuring about 13 inches in length, and about eight and a half in breadth. One thousand are sufficient to cover seven toises.
TUILEAU,Fr.Shard of a tile.
TUILERIE,Fr.Tile kiln.
TUILERIES,Fr.The gardens, belonging to the ci-devant royal palace in Paris, are so called, from the spot having originally been used for tile-kilns.
TUKKEKYAH,Ind.Carpenters.
TUKNARJUMMA,Ind.Money brought more than once to account.
TULUBANA,Ind.A fee, taken by Peons when placed as guards over any person.
TULLUB,Ind.This word literally means a demand; but it also signifieswages,pay.
Tullubchitty,Ind.A summons forpay.
TULWAR,Ind.A sword.
TUMBRELS, (Tombereaux,Fr.) Covered carts, which carry ammunition for cannon, tools for the pioneers, miners, and artificers; and sometimes the money of the army.
TUMSOOK,Ind.A bond.
TUNKAW,Ind.An assignment.
TUNES,Fr.Small twigs which are inlaced, or twisted across, around several stakes planted in the earth, and which serve to keep the fascines together.
TUNIC, (Tunique,Fr.) A coat with short sleeves above the elbow; a tunic. It derives its name from the Latin wordTunica, a close coat, which was the common garment worn within doors by itself, and abroad under the gown. It was distinguished by different names among the Romans, corresponding with the several classes of the people that were clothed according to their rank in life. SeeKennett’s Roman Antiquities, p. 311, &c.
This sort of clothing is still worn in the east, and was prevalent among the French after their return from the crusades to the Holy Land. They adopted it from the Saracens, and seemed ambitious of appearing in a garb which bore testimony to their feats of valor. These tunics, which were converted into a sort of uniform, obtained the name ofSaladinesamong the French, in compliment to the emperor Saladin. Hence too the origin ofSalade, which not only signified the armor that was worn beneath thetunicorsaladine, but also the light helmet of that name.
TUNIQUE,Fr.Among the French signifies likewise a particular dress which was worn by the kings, under their robes of state at a coronation.
TUNTUNGI-Bashi. A Turkish term signifying master of the pipes, a situation under the pacha.
TUQUE,Fr.A tarpaulin.