these particular cases. Various circumstances grow out of the desultory
nature of military operations, to render flags of communication
indispensibly necessary. The vast scope which is given to modern
tactics, makes it impossible that the human eye or voice should take in
all the critical manœuvres or evolutions which occur, when an extended
line is actually engaged. The right wing may be giving way while the
left is gaining ground, and the centre might be in danger while the
two flanks were rapidly advancing with apparent security against the
enemy. Under these circumstances a general, by means of communicating
signals, might be enabled to provide for every contingency, without
losing time by sending his orders verbally. Although signal flags,
in modern engagements, have been generally laid aside, their use has
been acknowleged in the adoption of warlike instruments, which, by the
variety of their sounds, convey the necessary directions to an engaging
army.
The ancients had signals which they called _mute signals_, (_signaux
muets_.) These consisted in certain actions or signs that were made
by a general; such as waving the hand, brandishing a stick or sword,
or by exhibiting to view any part of his dress, accoutrements, &c.
Instances of the same kind have occurred among the moderns. Under this
denomination may likewise be classed the different signals which are
made for the movement, marching, and manœuvring of troops in and out
of quarters. When troops are scattered or separated from one another,
it is usual to communicate by means of fires lighted upon eminences
during the night, and by smoke during the day.
In former times large pieces of wood were hung above the towers
of cities or castles, which, by being drawn up or lowered, gave
intelligence of what passed. This method has been succeeded by the
invention of telegraphs, which answer every purpose of communication,
when they can be established through an extent of country. At the
battle of Fleurus, the French employed balloons, to which cords were
attached, able officers elevated in the air sent down, by the cords,
an account of the movements of the Austrians, a signal thus conveyed
enabled Jourdan to direct a tremendous battalion fire, and a heavy
charge of cavalry, by which the battle was decided. Besides those
signals, there are others which may be called _vocal_ and _demi-vocal_.
The vocal signals are those of the human voice, which consist in the
necessary precautions that are adopted to prevent a guard or post from
being surprised, to enounce words of command in action, &c. Of the
first description are paroles and countersigns, which are exchanged
between those to whom they are intrusted, and which are frequently
altered, during the day and night, to prevent the enemy from receiving
any information by means of spies. The demi-vocal signals are conveyed
by military instruments; the different soundings of which indicate,
instantaneously, whether an army is to halt or to advance, whether
troops are to continue in the pursuit of an enemy, or to retreat.
The demi-vocal signals, directed to be observed in the British service,
as far as regards the manœuvring of corps, &c. consist of signals for
the government of light infantry, and of cavalry regiments, squadrons,
or troops: the latter are properly called soundings. Rifle or light
infantry signals are to give notice--to _advance_; to _retreat_; to
_halt_; to _cease_ firing; to _assemble_, or call in all parties. Those
signals should be always considered as fixed and determined ones, and
are never to be changed. The bugle horn of each company should make
himself perfect master of them. All signals are to be repeated; and all
those signals which are made from the line or column, are to convey
the intention of the commanding officer of the line to the officer
commanding the light infantry, who will communicate them to the several
companies or detachments either by word or signal.
SIGNAL-_staff_. In matters of military parade it is usual to fix a
flag, somewhat larger than a camp color, to point out the spot where
the general or officer commanding takes his station in front or a line.
This is called the signal staff.
SIGURGHAL, _Ind._ A feudal tenure.
SIGUETTE, _Fr._ The same as cavesson, a sort of noseband, sometimes
made of iron, and sometimes of leather, or wood; sometimes flat, and
sometimes hollow or twisted; which is put upon the nose of a horse, to
forward the suppling and breaking of him.
SILENCE, (_Silence_, _Fr._) This word is used by the French as a
caution to soldiers to prepare for any part of the military duty or
exercise. The French have likewise another term which corresponds with
our word attention. See GARDE. We use _Attention_ in both instances.
SILHATARIS, _Fr._ See SPAHIS.
SILLAGE, _Fr._ The wake of a ship; the trace which a vessel leaves
astern when she moves forward.
SILLON, in _fortification_, is a work raised in the middle of a ditch,
to defend it when it is too wide. It has no particular form, and is
sometimes made with little bastions, half-moons, and redans, which are
lower than the works of the place, but higher than the covert way. It
is more frequently called _envelope_, which see.
SIMILAR _polygons_, are such as have their angles severally equal, and
the sides about those angles proportional.
_To_ SIMPLIFY. This word has been adopted amongst men of business and
arrangement, from the French _simplifier_, which means to relate the
bare matter of fact. This signification likewise reaches every species
of analysis, &c. Thus the advantage of the new manual over the old, is
owing to the reduction of the latter into fewer motions and words of
command, by which that exercise has been considerably simplified. The
oblique facings, under the denomination of _quarter facings_, _half
facings_, of single files; the half wheelings, quarter wheelings,
and half quarter wheelings of sections, platoons, divisions, and
battalions, are all more simple in the new discipline than the methods
of the old.
SINE. In geometry, a right _sine_, is a right line drawn from one end
of an arch perpendicularly upon the diameter drawn from the other end
of the arch.
SINES. See table of _Natural Sines_, at the end of the word GUNNERY.
SINGE, _Fr._ An instrument so called. See PENTAGRAPH.
SINGLE _combat_, a contest in which not more than _two_ are engaged.
SINUS, _Fr._ See LINE for its geometrical acceptation.
SINUS, in English, signifies a bay of the sea, an opening of the land;
any fold or opening.
SINUSOIDE, _Fr._ A geometrical curve, which has been imagined by
Monsieur Belidor, for the purpose of balancing or preserving the
equipoise of a drawbridge. See _Science des Ingénieurs_, liv. iv. See
likewise the specific construction of this curve as explained by the
marquis de l’Hopital, in a book intitled, _Acta Eruditorum_, published
at Leipsic in 1695; and demonstrated by M. Bernouilli, who discovered
that this curve was nothing more than the epicycloid, which see.
SIPHON, (_Syphon_, likewise _Ciphon_, _Fr._) In hydraulics, a crooked
tube, one leg or branch whereof is longer than the other. It is
used in the raising of fluids, emptying of vessels, and in various
hydrostatical experiments.
SIRKAR, _Ind._ The government.
SIROC. From Sirius, the dog-star. The wind, which we call south-east,
is so called in Italy.
_To_ SIT. In a military sense, to take a stationary position; as, _To
sit before a fortified place_; to lie encamped for the purpose of
besieging it. The French use the word _asseoir_ as an active verb with
respect to military matters, viz. _asseoir un camp_, to pitch a camp.
_Il assit son camp hors de la portée du canon de la ville_; he pitched
his camp out of the range of the town’s cannon.
SIXAIN. Sixth, Sexagena, in war, an ancient order of battle, wherein
six battalions being ranged in one line, the second and fifth were made
to advance, to form the _van_ guard; the first and sixth to retire to
form the _rear_ guard; the third and fourth remaining to form the main
corps. The word is derived from the French, which signifies the same
thing. The sixain order of battle may be formed with all the battalions
whose number is produced by the number six. Twelve battalions, for
instance, may be ranged in order of battle, by forming two _sixains_,
and eighteen battalions, ditto by forming three _sixains_, and so on
progressively.
_To_ SIZE. In a military sense to take the height of men for the
purpose of placing them in military array, and of rendering their
relative statures more effective. In all infantry regiments the sizing
begins from flanks to centre, the tallest men being placed upon the
right and left of the several companies in the front rank, and the
shortest in the centre and rear ranks. By the old cavalry discipline
the flank troops of a squadron must be sized in the following manner:
That of the right flank, from right to left; that of the left flank,
from left to right; the centre one from centre to flanks; the tallest
man must, of course, be always in the part where the sizing begins,
excepting the corporals, one of whom must be on each flank of the front
rank of the troop, covered by a clever soldier in the rear rank. If
there be only two troops in a squadron, they size the right from the
left, and the left from the right flank. The modern practice now is to
size all troops from the centre, beginning by sizing from the right,
doubling and countermarching a rank.
SKEAN, _Celtic_. A knife. This word is sometimes written skeen, or
skeine. It signifies a weapon, in the shape of a small sword or knife,
which was anciently worn by the Irish.
SKELETON. This word is frequently applied to regiments that are
extremely reduced in their number of men. Thus a British regiment that
went out to St. Domingo 1000 strong, and returned to England with 20 or
30 men only, was called a skeleton regiment.
SKELETON _plan_. See OUTLINE.
SKETCH. See ditto.
SKILL. Knowlege in any particular art. As
_Military_ SKILL. M. Belleisle, the French general, after the example
of Xenophon, the Greek, undertook in the month of December 1742,
to withdraw the French army from Prague, where it was at that time
shut up, and to march over the enemy’s country, through a road of 38
leagues, upwards of 124 English miles, covered with ice, and over
mountains whose precipices were concealed under the snow, having,
besides, an army of between eighteen and twenty thousand men, under the
command of prince Lobkowitz, to fight with. For the particulars of this
famous retreat, which in count Turpin’s words, deserves to be written
by Xenophon himself. See page 2, vol. I. of his Art of War.
SKINS. Sheep skins are made use of to cover the mortars or howitzers
between firing, to prevent any wet or dampness getting into them.
SKIRMISH, in _war_, a loose, desultory kind of combat, or encounter, in
presence of two armies, between small parties who advance from the main
body for that purpose, and invite to a general fight.
SKIRMISHERS. Detached parties of light troops sent out in front of a
battalion, &c. riflemen.
SKIRT. In a general acceptation, edge, border, extreme part. As the
skirt of a country, the skirts of a wood.
SKY-ROCKET. See ROCKET.
SLASH, a cut; a wound; also a cut in cloth. It is used to express
the pieces of tape or worsted lace which are upon the arms of
non-commissioned officers and corporals, to distinguish them from the
privates.
SLASHED, cut in stripes or lines. Hence _slashed_ sleeves and pockets,
which are peculiar to the British cavalry, when the officers or men
wear long coats.
SLASHERS. A nickname which was given during the American war to the
British 28th regiment of foot, and which took its origin from the
following circumstance: One Walker, a magistrate in Canada, having,
during a severe winter, with great inhumanity, refused to give
comfortable billets to the women belonging to the 28th, and some of
them having perished in consequence of the inclemency of the season,
so great was the resentment of the corps, that some officers dressed
themselves like savages, entered his house whilst he was sitting with
his family, danced round the table, and suddenly pulling him back upon
his chair, cut off both his ears. They instantly disappeared. The deed
was not discovered until after their departure. From this circumstance,
and in consequence of various intrepid actions which the 28th performed
during the course of the war, the men obtained the name of _slashers_.
SLATE, in military architecture, a kind of bluish fossile stone, very
soft when dug out of the quarry, and therefore easily slit or sawed
into thin long squares, to serve instead of tiles for the covering of
all kinds of military buildings, &c.
SLAUGHTER, destruction by the sword, bayonet, and firearms.
SLEDGE, or _sledge-hammer_, a large iron-headed hammer.
SLEEPERS, the undermost timbers of a gun or mortar-battery. See
PLATFORM.
SLEETS, are the parts of a mortar going from the chamber to the
trunnions, to strengthen that part.
SLING, a leathern strap which is attached to a musquet, and serves to
hang it across the soldier’s back as occasion may require.
_Gun_-SLING, or _Belt_. Although this useful article owes its invention
to the ingenuity of an individual for the convenience of sportsmen, it
may nevertheless be adapted with so much facility to military purposes,
that a description of it cannot be thought superfluous.
The gun sling or belt is made in the following manner:--
The sling consists of three straps of leather, viz. one four feet six
inches long, with the breadth agreeable to order. It is pointed and
punched at one end, and has a buckle and loop at the other, which
serve to shorten or lengthen it as the size of the person may require;
another about twelve inches long, and three quarters of an inch wide,
with a hook fixed at one end, the first being sewed ten inches from the
pointed end of the belt. This strap being hooked up to either of the
hooks in the main sling, forms a loop or bearing strap for the barrel
of the musquet; and a third three quarters of an inch wide, and about
six inches long, with an inch ring at one end, through which the belt
is passed. This ring runs conveniently up and down the belt, and fully
answers every purpose for which it was designed. A hook is sewed at the
other end of this strap; the strap being lapped round the small part
of the stock of the musquet, and the hook, fastened to the ring, they
together form a loop or bearing strap for the butt. By these means,
in addition to the strap round the barrel as already mentioned, the
musquet or rifle can be conveniently carried, on foot or horseback,
without the assistance of either hand. The musquet being released from
these restraints, and the hook fixed to the strap, with the ring, being
hooked to a small eye that is fixed just before the guard, the whole is
carried with very little assistance from either hand, and is instantly
brought to a firing position. The next position is by hooking the same
hook to an eye that is fixed to the stock, about seven inches behind
the guard; the barrel being at the same time supported by the strap,
which is hooked to the main belt. The musquet is thus carried without
the assistance of either hand; and if there be occasion to fire at a
moment’s notice, you have only to draw out the top hook.
SLING. A missive weapon made by a strap and two strings; the stone is
lodged in the strap, and thrown by loosing one of the strings.
SLING likewise means a kind of hanging bandage, in which a wounded limb
is sustained.
_To_ SLING, to hang loosely by means of the strap belonging to a
firelock.
SLING _your firelocks._ A word of command formerly used in the exercise
of British grenadiers.
1st. Bring the sling with the left hand opposite to the right shoulder,
and the firelock with the right hand opposite the left shoulder, by
crossing both hands at the same time, bringing the left hand within
the right, keeping the muzzle upright, the barrel to the left, and the
right hand just under the left elbow.
2d. Bend the firelock back, and bring the sling over your head, placing
it just above your right shoulder.
3d. Draw the sling with your left hand, and let go the firelock with
the right at the same time, that it may hang by the sling on the right
shoulder, the muzzle upwards, dropping both hands down by your sides at
the same time.
_Handle your_ SLINGS. 1st. Seize the sling with both hands at the same
time, taking hold of it with the right hand about the middle, and as
low as you can reach, without bending your body.
2d. With the left hand bring the butt forwards, slipping your left
elbow under the firelock, by bringing it between the firelock and the
sling; taking hold of the firelock at the same time with the left hand,
letting the stock lie between the thumb and fore finger, the butt end
pointing a little to the left with the barrel upwards.
3d. Bring the firelock to lie on the left shoulder, and the sling on
the right, the barrel upwards, and the butt end pointing directly to
the front, keeping the firelock to a true level.
SLOPE _Arms_, a word of command by which the musquet rests upon the
shoulder with the butt advanced. In long marches soldiers are sometimes
permitted to slope arms. In all other instances it is strictly
forbidden.
SLOPING _Swords_, a position of the sword among cavalry, when the
back of the blade rests on the hollow of the right shoulder, the hilt
advanced.
SLOPS. See NECESSARIES.
SLOW _time_. See the time of slow marching.
SLUGS. Cylindric, or cubical pieces of metal, used as shot for guns.
SLUICE-_gate_, a water-gate, by which a place may be inundated, or the
water excluded at pleasure.
SLUICES, in military architecture, are made for various purposes;
such as to make rivers navigable; to join one river to another, which
is higher or lower, by means of a canal; to form inundations upon
particular occasions, or to drain spots of ground that are overflowed
by high tides; they are also made in fortresses, to keep up the water
in one part of the ditches, whilst the other is dry; and to raise an
inundation about the place when there is any apprehension of being
attacked.
SLUICES are made different ways, according to the uses for which they
are intended: when they serve for navigation, they are shut with two
gates presenting an angle towards the stream; when they are made near
the sea, two pair of gates are made, the one pair to keep the water
out, and the other in, as occasion may require: in this case, the gates
towards the sea present an angle that way, and the others the contrary
way. The space inclosed by these gates is called _chamber_.
When _sluices_ are made in the ditches of a fortress to keep up the
water in some parts, instead of gates, shutters are made, so as to
slide up and down in grooves; and when they are made to raise an
inundation, they are then shut by means of square timbers let down into
_cullises_, so as to lie close and firm. Particular care must be taken
in the building of a _sluice_, to lay the foundation in the securest
manner; that is, to lay the timber, grates, and floors, in such a
form, that the weather cannot penetrate through any part, otherwise it
will undermine the work, and blow it up, as it has sometimes happened:
lastly, to make the gates of a proper strength in order to support
the pressure of the water, and yet to use no more timber than what is
necessary. Those who wish to be thoroughly acquainted with this kind of
work, may meet with satisfaction in _L’Architecture Hydraulique, par M.
Belidor_; or in Mr. Millar’s _Practical Fortification_.
SMALL _arms_, musquets, fusils, carabines, pistols, &c.
SNAFFLE, a bridle without a curb bit.
SNICK _and_ SNEE, a combat with knives, such as the Dutch carry.
SOBRIETY. General temperance. In a military consideration, abstinence
from an inordinate use of strong liquors. However frequent the
deviations from this great and uncommon virtue may be found among
soldiers, nothing can excuse or exculpate an officer who should so
far forget himself, especially upon service, as to give the least
countenance to such excesses, even by an occasional, much less by an
habitual dereliction of this estimable quality. Sobriety keeps the
head cool, strengthens the nerves, and renders moderate abilities
equal to great exertions. Drunkenness, on the contrary, unfits the
man for the common functions of life, and makes an officer not only
contemptible to his soldiers, and dangerous to the cause he has engaged
to fight for, but an indirect spur to the enterprise of an enemy, who
will soon know how to take advantage of his vice and weakness.
SOC, _Fr._ A machine made of leather, which is fixed near the stirrup,
to receive the end of the standard staff in cavalry regiments. It is
likewise called _braïer_, and is used by the persons who carry the
colors either in infantry or cavalry regiments. In the former instance
it is fixed to a leathern belt that comes over the shoulder or that is
fixed to the waist.
SOCKET, generally means any hollow pipe that receives something
inserted.
SOCKET _of a bayonet_. The round hollow part near the bent or heel of
a bayonet, into which the muzzle of a firearm is received when the
bayonet is fixed.
SODS, pieces of turf with which works are faced.
SOVAN, or _Savan_, _Ind._ The seventh month. It in some degree
corresponds with July and August.
SOL, _Fr._ Soil; ground.
SOLAKS. Bowmen or archers belonging to the personal guard of the grand
signor. They are always selected from the most expert bowmen that are
among the janizaries. Their only arms are, the sabre, bow, and arrows.
SOLBATU, _Fr._ In farriery, surbated.
SOLDAN. This word is pronounced _Soudan_. It was formerly given to
a general who commanded the califf’s army. Saladin, a general under
Naradin, king of Damas, having killed the califf Kaym, usurped the
throne, and assumed the title in 1146; so that he became the first
Soldan of Egypt.
SOLDAT, _Fr._ See SOLDIER.
SOLDAT _d’ordonnance à l’armée_, _Fr._ An orderly man.
SOLDATESQUE, _Fr._ A substantive of the collective feminine gender,
which signifies private soldiers, viz.
_La Bourgeoisie était exposée aux insultes de la soldatesque_; the
citizens were exposed to the insults of the soldiery. _La soldatesque
s’est révoltée contre les officiers_; the soldiers revolted or mutinied
against the officers.
SOLDATESQUE is likewise used as an adjective, viz. _Des mœurs
soldatesque_; the ways or manners of a private soldier. _Une dispute
soldatesque_; a military broil or a dispute among private soldiers.
We have an adjective which is derived from the same source, namely,
soldier-like, but which is only taken in a good sense with us, as
soldier-like conduct, soldier-like behaviour; unsoldier-like being the
opposite.
SOLDATS _étrangers ou Mercénaires_, _Fr._ Foreign or mercenary troops.
SOLDATS _de Marine_, _Fr._ Marines, or soldiers, who do duty on board
ships of war.
SOLDATS _Gardiens_, _Fr._ A description of invalid soldiers, so called
during the French monarchy. They were stationed at the sea-ports.
There were 300 at Toulon, ditto at Rochefort and Brest, and fifty at
Havre-de-Grace. There were besides 300 in each of the first three
ports, who received half-pay.
SOLDE, _Fr._ The pay and subsistence, &c. which are issued to officers
and soldiers are so called.
_Demie_ SOLDE, _Fr._ Half pay. The French likewise say--_à demie
paye_--On half-pay.
SOLDIER, A piece of money; the pay of a soldier. Dr. Johnson derives
the word from _solidarius_, low Latin of _solidus_. We conceive it to
be immediately taken from the French _soldat_, which comes from the
Latin _solidarius Veget_. A soldier in pay--_a solido quem meretur_.
Some again trace both the English and French word to the Italian
Soldato, and others to the German Soldat. _Sola_ in German signifies
pay. So that originally soldier meant only one who listed himself to
serve a prince or state, in consideration of certain daily pay.
SOLDIER now generally signifies any military man.
_Private_ SOLDIER, a man in the ranks; one under the degree of a
corporal; as distinct from the commanders.
_A real_ SOLDIER, a term among military men to mark out one who knows
and does his duty.
_No_ SOLDIER. An expression of familiar currency in the British
service. It is sometimes used as a term of reproach, and sometimes of
harmless irony; as “you are a dirty fellow and no soldier.”
_Citizen_ SOLDIER, (_Soldat citoyen_, _Fr._) In a general acceptation
of the term, a citizen soldier signifies any man who is armed for the
support and vindication of his country’s rights.
_A Brother_ SOLDIER. A term of affection which is commonly used in the
British service by one who serves under the same banners, and fights
for the same cause with another. In a more extensive signification, it
means any military man with respect to another.
SOLDIER _of Fortune_, (_Soldat de Fortune_, _Fr._) During the frequent
wars which occurred in Italy, before the military profession became
so generally prevalent in Europe, it was usual for men of enterprise
and reputation to offer their services to the different states that
were engaged. They were originally called _Condottieri_, or leaders of
reputation. They afterwards extended their services, and under the
title of _soldiers of fortune_ sought for employment in every country
or state that would pay them.
SOLDIER’S _Friend_. A term in the military service which is generally
applied to such officers as pay the strictest attention to their men;
granting them seasonable indulgences without injuring the service;
seeing their wants relieved; and, above all things, having them
punctually paid and regularly settled with. There is much confidence in
the multitude when they are justly dealt by, and every soldier fights
well under the guidance of a soldier’s friend!
SOLDIER _Officer_. A term generally used among naval men to signify any
officer belonging to the land service.
SOLDIERSHIP, (_Metier de soldat_, _Fr._) The profession, character, and
qualities of a military man.
SOLDIERY. Body of military men; soldiers collectively. Soldiers are
properly the land forces of a nation or state. It is in the power of
the legislature to fix the establishment according to the exigency of
the times.
SOLDURIERS, _Fr._ A term anciently used among the French, to signify
those persons who attached themselves to some particular general or
military knight, whose fortunes they followed, in consequence of being
paid and supported by him.
SOLEIL, _Fr._ Sun.
SOLEIL _fixe_, _Fr._ An artificial fire-work, so disposed, that when
it takes fire, it emits a brilliant light from a fixed centre, and
resembles the sun at mid day.
SOLEIL _tournant et courant sur une corde_, _Fr._ An artificial
fire-work made in the shape of the sun, which is so contrived, that it
moves in full illumination, either backward or forward, along a rope.
SOLEIL _montant_, _Fr._ An artificial fire-work, so called from
its ascending in full illumination, and scattering fire in various
directions by a desultory movement. It is likewise called _tourbillon
de feu_; a whirlwind of fire.
SOLEIL _tournant et girandole_, _Fr._ An artificial fire-work, which,
when set fire to, resembles a sun moving round its axis, and exhibiting
the figure of a girandole.
SOLID, (_Solide_, _Fr._) that body which has all the geometrical
dimensions.
SOLID _Bastion_. See FORTIFICATION.
SOLIDAIRE, _Fr._ Consolidated.--An old French legal term, but now
generally used to signify a concentration of good qualities, &c. Thus
the French convention declared--_Que les armées étoient solidaires de
gloire_; that the armies had consolidated their glory; meaning thereby,
that the victories of one part of the army had been added to the
account of the rest.
SOLIDITY, (_Solidite_, _Fr._) Firmness; density; compactness.
SOLIVE, _Fr._ A joist.
SOLIVE likewise signifies a measure in carpentry. It is supposed to
be equal to three cubic feet. So that the solive in France is to the
measure of wood-work, what the cubic toise is to the measure of earth,
or brick-work. The solive is divided into six French feet which are
called _pieds de solive_. The foot into 12 inches, called _pouces
de solive_; and the inch into 12 lines, which are called _lignes de
solive_. In order to form a correct idea of the solive, with regard to
all parts or proportions, it must be considered as a parallelepipede,
whose base is a rectangle containing 12 inches in breadth, to six in
height, and a toise in length, the solive being equal to 3 cubic feet.
SOLIVEAU, _Fr._ A small joist; a rafter.
SOLSTICE, (_Solstice_, _Fr._) The point beyond which the sun does
not go; the tropical point, the point at which the day is longest in
summer, or shortest in winter. It is taken of itself commonly for the
summer solstice.
The _Summer_ SOLSTICE, (_le Solstice d’ete_, _Fr._) Is when the sun is
in the tropic of cancer, and gives us the longest day.
The _Winter_ SOLSTICE, is when the sun is in the tropic of capricorn,
and gives us the shortest day. There is not any solstice under the
equator, there being, in that quarter, without variation, equal day and
equal night.
SOLUTION, (_Solution_, _Fr._) Resolution of a doubt; removal of any
intellectual difficulty.
SOMACHE, _Fr._ Brackish, salt. The mixture of sea and river water is so
called, as _eau somache_.
SOME-_war_, _Ind._ Monday.
SOMMERS, in an _ammunition waggon_, are the upper sides, supported by
the staves entered into them with one of their ends, and the other into
the side pieces.
SOMMIER _d’un Port levis_, _Fr._ See SEUIL DE PONT LEVIS.
SONAILLER, _Fr._ A term used among the drivers of mules, to signify
the leading animal that has a bell tied to his neck, which they call
_sonaille_.
SONDE, _Fr._ Sounding lead, probe, any instrument used to ascertain the
nature of soil, &c.
SONDER, _Fr._ To sound, to throw out the lead.
SONNANT, _Fr._ A participle which is frequently used by the French, to
express a specific period of time, or the nature of any thing.
_A five heures_ SONNANTES, _Fr._ At five o’clock precisely, or as the
clock strikes five.
_Argent_ SONNANT, _Fr._ Hard cash. This term was in familiar use at the
commencement of the French revolution, when it was found expedient to
pay a select body of troops, called the _gendarmes_, in ready money,
whilst the aggregate of the nation took paper currency or assignats.
SOODER, _Ind._ The fourth or lowest of the original tribes of Hindoos,
as they come from the feet of Brama, which signifies subjection. They
are obliged to labor, and to serve when called upon.
SOOKRBAR, _Ind._ Friday.
SOORETHAUL, _Ind._ Statement of a case.
SORDET, SORDINE, The small pipe or mouth piece of a trumpet.
SORN, a servile tenure in Scotland, by which a chieftain might, with
his followers, live upon his tenants at free quarters.
SORTIES, in a _siege_, parties that sally out of a town secretly to
annoy the besiegers, and retard their operations.
SOUDOYES, _Fr._ From _Soudoyer_. To keep in pay. This name was
originally given to a body of men who inlisted themselves under Philip
Augustus of France, on condition that they should receive a certain
daily pay in the way of subsistence. Froissart calls all soldiers, who
are paid for doing duty, or for going to war, _soudoyes_,
SOUFLE, _Fr._ The wind of a cannon.
SOUFLER _les canons_, _Fr._ To scale pieces of ordnance. This is done
by means of a moderate charge of gunpowder, for the purpose of cleaning
them.
SOUFLURE, _Fr._ A cavity or hole, which is frequently occasioned when
pieces of metal have been forged in too intense a fire. Cannon balls
lose their required weight by flaws of this sort.
SOUFRE, _Fr._ See SULPHUR.
SOUGARDE, _Fr._ Guard, throat-band of a gun. A semi-circular piece of
brass which ts fixed beneath the trigger of a musquet, to prevent it
from going off by accident.
SOUGARDES. See DECHARGEURS.
SOUGORGE, _Fr._ Throat-band of a bridle.
SOUKARS, _Ind._ A general name for bankers.
SOULEVEMENT, _Fr._ Insurrection, revolt.
SOULEVER, _Fr._ To stir up, to excite to insurrection.
_Se_ SOULEVER, _Fr._ To rise, to revolt, to mutiny; _l’armee s’est
soulevee contre son general_; the army rose, or mutinied against its
general.
SOUMETTRE, _Fr._ (As an active verb) to subdue, to overcome, to reduce
to subjection.
_Se_ SOUMETTRE, _Fr._ To submit oneself. To yield.
SOUMISSION, _Fr._ Submission.
SOUMIS, _ise_, _Fr._ In fortification; to lie under, to be commanded.
Thus one work is said to be commanded, _ou être soumis_, when it is
lower than another. The same signification holds good with respect to
heights or elevations.
SOUND. Any thing audible; noise; that which is perceived by the ear.
The experiments are numerous by which it has been found, that sound
is audible to the distance of 50, 60, or 80 miles; but Dr. Hearne,
physician to the king of Sweden, tells us, that at the bombardment of
Holmia, in 1658, the sound was heard 30 Swedish miles, which make 180
of ours: and in the fight between England and Holland in 1672, the
noise of the guns was heard even in Wales, which cannot be less than
200 miles.
The velocity of sound is 380 yards, or 1142 feet in a second of time,
as found by very accurate experiment. The exactness of measuring
distances by sound, has been sufficiently proved by measuring the same
distances by trigonometry.
The medium velocity of sound is nearly at the rate of a mile, or 5280
feet in 4²⁄₃ seconds; or a league in 14 seconds; or 13 miles in one
minute. But sea miles are to land miles nearly as 7 to 6: therefore
sound moves over a sea mile in 5³⁄₄ seconds nearly; or a sea league in
16 seconds.
Sound flies 1142 feet in one second.
It is a common observation, that persons in good health have about 75
pulsations at the wrist in a minute, consequently in 75 pulsations
sound flies about 13 land miles, or 11¹⁄₇ sea miles, which is about 1
land mile in 6 pulsations, and 1 sea mile in 7 pulses, or a league in
20 pulses.
The velocity of sound does not very much vary, whether it goes with the
wind or against it. As sound moves vastly swifter than the wind, the
acceleration it can thereby receive can be but inconsiderable; and the
chief effect we can perceive from the wind is, that the sound will be
carried to a greater distance by it. Sound will be louder in proportion
to the condension of the air. Water is one of the greatest conductors
of sound; it can be heard nearly twice as far as on land.
SOUND, (_Sonde_, _Fr._) An instrument used by surgeons in probing.
_To_ SOUND. To betoken or direct by a sound; as to sound the retreat.
Hence
SOUNDINGS. Signals made by any kind of instruments.
_Trumpet_ SOUNDINGS, practised by cavalry regiments, viz. for duty.
1. _Revillé._
2. _Stable call._ For stable duties.
3. _Boots and saddles._}When to turn out on horseback for a march,
4. _To horse._ }exercise, or other duty.
5. _Draw swords._ }These soundings begin at the instants of drawing
6. _Return swords._}the sword _from_, and returning it _to_ the
scabbard.
7. _Parade march._
8. _Parade call._ For assembling on foot.
9. _Officers call._
10. _Serjeants call._
11. _Trumpeters call._
12. _Orders._
13. _Dinner call._ For men, and for officers.
14. _Watering call._ To turn out in watering order.
15. _Setting the watch._
These duty soundings, according to situation, are given by one trumpet,
or by the whole of the quarter, regiment, or camp.
_For exercise._
16. _March._ The squadron, regiment, or line being halted, the trumpet
of the commander will accompany the word, _the ---- will advance_; and
at the word _march_, the whole will move at a walk.
17. _Trot._ 18. _Gallop._ 19. _Charge._ When the body is marching at
a walk, on the signal to trot, the whole instantly receive the word
_trot_, and change pace immediately. The same is to be observed from
the trot to the light _gallop_, and from the gallop to the _charge_.
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 of _retreat_, (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 to _rally_, 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 Horn_ SOUNDINGS, are different calls which are made by the bugle
horn for duty and exercise. The following constitute the principal
ones. See _Am. Mil. Lib._
1st. _For duty._
1. _Revillé._ {These soundings are different in their
2. _Rouse, or turn out._{notes from those of the trumpet, but may be
3. _Dinner call._ {used under the same circumstances.
4. _Setting the watch._ {
2d. _For exercise._
5. _March._ }
6. _Trot._ }
7. _Gallop._ }
8. _Charge._ }These soundings exactly the same as
9. _Halt._ }those of the trumpet, in the place of
10. _Retreat._ }which the bugle horn may be
11. _Rally._ }occasionally substituted.
12. _Turn out skirmishers._ }
13. _Skirmishers cease firing._}
14. _Call in skirmishers._ }
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 exactly expressed,
either by whole numbers or by fractions. Thus the square root, or
_racine carree_, of two is a _quantite 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,
see PAS 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.
_La_ SOUTE, _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; as _soutenir le combat_, to maintain the
fight.
SOUTENIR _le feu de l’ennemi_, _Fr._ To stand the enemy’s fire.
SOUTENIR _le 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 large _sowarry_, meaning a great number
of followers.
SOWGUND, _Ind._ An oath.
SPADE, (_Beche_, _Fr._) an instrument for digging. See INTRENCHING
TOOLS, MINING, &c.
SPADROON, a sword much lighter than a broadsword, and made both to cut
and thrust.
SPADROON _Guard_, 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 term SEPAHI, corrupted by the English into _Sepcy_.
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 the _Silbataris_, whose standard or cornet is
yellow, and of the _Spahis-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 call
_Misra_. They likewise make use of a long dart or javelin, called a
_Gerie_, 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 each _Spahi_. This bounty is called _Sadach akchiasi_, or gift to
enable each man to purchase bows and arrows.
When the _Spahis_ take 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 of _Spahis_, there are four others in the
Turkish service, which are only called upon under circumstances of
extreme pressure and emergency. The first is called _Sag-Vlesigi_;
the standard is red and white. The second is named _Sol-Vlesigi_; the
standard is white and yellow. The third is styled _Sag-Gureba_, the
standard is green: and the fourth, _Sol-Gureba_; the standard is white.
All these _Spahis_ receive a daily pay of twelve to twenty aspres; and
they are subject to every species of duty. Those are _Spahis_, called
_Timars_, or _Timariots_. See TIMARIOTS.
SPANNER, the lock of a fusil or carabine.
SPATTERDASHES, a kind of covering for 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.
SPEAKING _Trumpet_, 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, a _lance_, or long weapon with a sharp point, formerly used as a
manual, or missive weapon. See LANCE.
_To_ SPEND. 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.
SPENT _Ball_, (_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 with
_Shots_, _Shells_, &c.
SPHERES _d’artifice_, _Fr._ Iron hoops with matches, steeped in
combustible matter, fixed round them. When there is only one hoop it is
called _Circle d’artifice_; when there are two or three, one within the
other, the assemblage of them is called _sphere d’artifice_, from its
resemblance to that figure.
SPHERICAL. Round.
SPHEROID, an oblong body, approaching the form of a sphere.
SPIES, SPIALS, in _war_, 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.
SPIES are 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.
_To_ SPIKE _a 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. See TO
NAIL.
SPIKES, in _gunnery_. See HAND-SPIKES.
SPIN, or _to 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.
SPIRAL _Line_, (_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. See SCREW.
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.
_To_ SPRAWL, 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.
_A_ SPRAWLING _charge_, a loose and irregular movement of cavalry,
instead of a close, compact, forward attack.
_To_ SPRING. 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 Cear_ SPRING. 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.
_Feather_ SPRING. The spring of a gun lock beneath the foot of the
hammer; called likewise hammer-spring.
_Main_ SPRING. The spring in a gun lock which operates on the tumbler,
and gives force to the cock.
_To_ SPRING, in a military sense, to step forward with a certain degree
of elasticity.
SPRING _up_. 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, as _Spring!_ particularly to light infantry men.
_To_ SPRING _the 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.
_Pyrotechnical_ SPUNGES. 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.
_To_ SPUNGE _the 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, in _old 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.
_To_ SQUAD. 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 with the
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.
_Awkward_ SQUAD. 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.
_The_ SQUARE. A particular formation into which troops are thrown on
critical occasions; particularly to resist the charge of cavalry.
_Solid_ SQUARE, 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.
_Hollow_ SQUARE, 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.
_Oblong_ SQUARE. 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.
_Perfect_ SQUARE. 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.
SQUARE _root_. 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.
SQUARE _number_. 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 that _squelette_ among 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 word _cadre_, frame, outline, &c. bears the construction of
_squelette_ among 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. See ARMIGER.
STABLE _horse_, _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 contained 620 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. See QUARTER-MASTER GENERAL,
&c.
_Regimental_ STAFF, are, the adjutant, quarter-master, chaplain, and
surgeon, &c.
STAFF _of command_. See BATTOON.
_The_ STAFF, 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 see _Am. Mil. Lib._
The _staff_ of the French has been the main spring of their tactics,
and no army can be effective without a good staff.
STAFF, the same as _baton_; from whence those officers in the suite
of generals, and not attached to regiments, are called _the staff_, a
baton being formerly the insignia of office; which is now supplied by
other devices, as facings, feathers, and so forth.
_Hammer_ STALL. 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.
STAMP _duties_. 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 make _a stand_.
_To_ STAND _the enemy’s fire_; to remain with steady firmness in
orderly array, without being discomposed by the shot, &c. of an
opposing enemy.
_To_ STAND. 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. See POSITION WITHOUT ARMS.
_To_ STAND _well 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. See POSITION WITH
ARMS.
_To_ STAND _at ease_. To be allowed a certain indulgence with regard to
bodily position, with or without arms. See EASE. It is likewise a word
of command, as _Stand at--Ease_.
STAND _fast_. 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 to _stand 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, healthy lads,
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, in _war_, 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.
STANDARDS _belonging 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.
STANDARD _bearer_, 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.
STANDING _army_. 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_, in _fortification_. See FORT and FORTIFICATION.
STATE. Condition of any thing; as a weekly state of a regiment, &c.
STATE _of 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 word _state_ is 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. See POST.
STATIQUE, _Fr._ See STATICS.
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 the irons 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 means _weapon_ or _armor_.
STEGANOGRAPHY, the art of secret writing, or of writing in cyphers,
known only to persons corresponding, and much used in war.
STENOGRAPHY, (_Sténographie_, _Fr._) See STEREOGRAPHY.
STEP, (_Pas_, _Fr._) Progression by one removal of the foot. It
likewise signifies pace.
_To_ STEP. To move forward or backward, by a single change of the place
of the foot.
_To_ STEP _out_. To lengthen your pace.
_To_ STEP _short_, 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 word _forward_ be 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. See
_Am. Mil. Lib._
_To_ STEP _out_, is to lengthen the step to 30 inches, by leaning
forward a little, but without altering the cadence. It is also called
the _charging step_, or _accelerated 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.
_To_ STEP _off_, 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.
STEPPING _off 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 first _bar_, 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.
_Balancing_ STEP. 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 word _march_, 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 word _right_, must be given. Upon
which the left foot is planted firm, the body quite steady, and whole
weight rests _à plomb_ upon 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 words _Right_, _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.
_Lock_ STEP. See LOCK.
_The side or closing_ STEP. 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 of command:--
_Mark time._
_Side step to the right_--March.
_Side step to the left_--March.
_Back_ STEP, (_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.
STEP _Back_, _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.
_Quick_ STEP, 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 is _now_ called _common time_ in marching. The command
_quick march_ being given with a pause between them, the word _mark
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 at _quick_ time;
on the word _march_, 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.
_Quickest_ STEP, (_Pas accelere_, _Fr._) A step measuring 24 inches,
which indicates _quickest time_, or _wheeling 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.
_To_ STEP _between_. To interfere.
_To_ STEP _forth or forward_. To take an active part in any thing.
Thus, when the circle was formed, the grenadiers _stepped forward_
to beg off their comrade, &c. The officers stepped forward, and
remonstrated against their colonel.
STEP is 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, and _stepping_ into a
lieutenant-colonelcy at once.
_To_ STEP _over_. To rise above another. This term is generally used in
a bad sense. As, young men of interest and connection frequently _step
over_ old 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 the _voie_, and is about half of that measure. The
_Corde_, 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. See LABORATORY.
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. See ORDER 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.
STOCK _Purse_. 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, in _military 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, or _Soap 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
called _fire-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 called _Kentish rag_, that is very useful in building:
it splits very easily, and yet is very hard.
_Free_-STONE, more generally called _Portland 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_, or _Aberdeen 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 3_s._ 10³⁄₄_d._ 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 word RATION.
STOPPAGE, for the subsistence of the _sick_ in 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, every article 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_, in _war 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. See MAGAZINE.
STORES, _Military_, are provisions, forage, arms, clothing, ammunition,
&c.
_Medical_ STORES _on 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.
_To_ STORM, in _military matters_, to make a violent assault on any
fortified place, or works.
STORMING _party_. 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.
See HAMMOCK.
STRATAGEM, in _war_, any scheme or plan for the deceiving and
surprising an army, or any body of men. See SURPRISE.
STRATAGEMS _in 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.
General Washington executed a similar stratagem with success on the
British at Trenton; and a very memorable stratagem in baking bread at
King’s bridge and amusing the British at New York, while he made forced
marches with his army for Yorktown, to capture Cornwallis.
Among other good qualities which are indispensibly necessary in an
able general, that of knowing how to conceal a projected march, and to
anticipate the motions of an enemy, is not the least important.
The army under the command of the duke of Saxe-Weimar, having laid
siege to Brisac in 1638, the imperialists went to the relief of that
place. The duke, on receiving intelligence of their approach, instantly
marched against them, with a body of forces composed of Swedes and
French allies. The imperialists, who had advanced by rapid marches,
had gained possession of an eminence by means of which they would have
enjoyed all the advantages of local superiority, had not the count de
Guebriant, who was then a lieutenant-general in the Swedish service,
suggested a stratagem to dislodge the enemy. The plan was adopted, and
it succeeded to the full extent of his design.
The drums and trumpets of the different corps were collected together,
and stationed in a neighboring wood, so as to draw the whole of the
enemy’s attention away from the quarter proposed to be carried.
The imperialists being naturally led to believe, from the noise and
concurrence of so many military instruments, that they were going to
be attacked from that quarter, beat to arms, and left their position
in complete order of battle. They had scarcely quitted the eminence,
before the duke of Saxe-Weimar appeared in their rear, took possession
of the ground which they had so imprudently abandoned, and became
master of all the advantages which his enemy would otherwise have
enjoyed. An interesting account of this ingenious manœuvre may be found
in the History of Le Marechal de Guebriant.
Stratagems of this description have been frequently used by the French
during the present war, particularly in Italy. Stratagems, in fact,
constitute one of the principal branches in the art of war. They
have been practised in all ages by the most able generals, and have
contributed in a great degree, to their military reputation. Virgil, in
his Æneid, book II. says--
_Dolus an virtus, quis in hoste requirat._
The history of France abounds with instances in which stratagems of
every kind have been successfully practised.--It seems the peculiar
talent of the inhabitants of that country to derive advantages from
well concerted feints, &c. in war, and to secure their victories more
by science than by downright hardihood.
It has been wisely observed, by a French writer, under the article
of _Stratagêmes de guerre_, that a general who is defeated in a
general action, may attribute his failure to fortune, although it is
universally acknowleged, that chance or fortune has a very trifling
share indeed in pitched battles, while art and science regulate the
different movements, and finally determine their issue. Whoever,
therefore, suffers himself to be surprised by his enemy, cannot be said
to stand wholly exculpated from ignorance or neglect, since it must
have been in his power to have avoided the snares laid for him, by
means of vigilant spies, and unremitting attention. This remark appears
to us not only to be generally correct, but it seems more immediately
applicable to all generals that have secret service money at command.
The influence of that commodity, (upon which no embargo can be laid)
will be felt in every garrison, town, or sea-port; and those who have
the management of it must be dull indeed, if they do not feel their way
into the secret preparations of an enemy, before they hazard an attack
against him.
Besides the different stratagems which may be used by an able general,
to bring about the overthrow of the whole or part of an army, by
leading it into an ambuscade, there are various ones which may be
practised against a fortified place. To effect the latter purpose,
you may contrive to get soldiers in disguise through the gates at
unguarded hours; to introduce them through subterraneous passages, or
by any other means that may offer. Before any attempt of this sort is
made, every part of the fortifications should be narrowly reconnoitred,
and as much knowlege be obtained of the interior situation of the place
as can be procured by means of good spies, or from deserters. You must,
above all things, be well assured, that the garrison does not strict
duty; that the different guards are negligently attended to; that the
soldiers who compose them are in the habits of drinking or gaming;
that their officers miss their rounds, or go them without system or
regularity; that the gates are ill guarded, and the avenues to them ill
watched; and that there are certain places or entrances which are not
watched at all; for it would be impossible to surprize any place that
has been regularly fortified, while the garrison did its duty.
If it should appear practicable to surprise a town by taking advantage
of the negligence of the sentries, &c. at some particular gate,
previous means must be taken to introduce some soldiers dressed like
market women, or in the garb of some religious order. You may then
contrive to get a waggon or cart, seemingly loaded with hay or straw,
but with soldiers concealed beneath it, so placed in the entrance
of the gate that it will serve as an obstacle when it may be found
necessary to shut it. In order to do this effectually, let a pin be
taken out, so that the wheel comes off, or the axle tree gets broken.
The instant this is done, the soldiers who had entered the town in
disguise must join the drivers, the men that have been concealed in
the waggon get out, and the whole must rush upon the port-guard.
While this happens, the troops that have been placed in ambush round
the fortifications, will advance with promptitude and firmness, and
endeavor to get possession of the town before a sufficient force can
be collected to repel the attack. In the year 1789, a rabble from
Courtray took advantage of the carelessness of the imperial troops who
were in garrison at Gand, in Flanders, and by seizing upon the gate and
port-guard, brought about a temporary rebellion in the country. This
indeed was done without stratagem; but the circumstance proves, that
when the centries of a fortified place are negligent in their duty,
a surprise is always practicable. We are precluded by the limits of
our undertaking from going more fully into this important branch of
military science. Several treatises have been written on the subject.
Among others one appeared in 1756, intitled _Stratagêmes de Guerre_,
illustrating from history the various stratagems which had been
practised by some of the ablest generals during a long period of time
down to the peace of Aix-la-Chapelle. It was published by M. Carlet de
la Rousiere, an officer in the French service, and acting engineer in
the isles of France and Bourbon. It contains much curious matter. See
_Am. Mil. Lib._
STRATAGEM _and force united_. Count Turpin, page 43, vol. I. in his
essay on the Art of War, judiciously remarks, that when an enemy,
superior in force, is in possession of a pass, from which he cannot be
dislodged but by art, stratagem and force should be blended together
as often as possible. Onosander, the Greek general, set fire to a wood
which was at the foot of a mountain in the enemy’s possession, and
which he wanted to go over; the flames and smoke forced the enemy to
abandon it, and leave the passage free for him.
STRATARITHMOMETRY. In _war_, the art of drawing up an army, or any part
of it, in any given geometrical figure; and of expressing the number
of men contained in such a figure, as they stand in order of battle,
either at hand, or at any distance assigned.
STRAW. According to the British regulations, published by authority in
1799, relative to the forage, &c. which troops are to receive in the
home encampments, it is directed, that straw is to be allowed at the
rate of one truss of 36 pounds to each paillasse for two men, _being
a full bedding_; at the expiration of sixteen days to be refreshed
with half a truss to each paillasse; at the expiration of 32 days to
be removed, and a fresh bedding of one truss is to be given, and so on
every succeeding period of sixteen and thirty-two days.
For the sick, in the hospital, the straw is to be changed as often as
it may be deemed necessary.
Two trusses per troop or company are to be allowed for batmen, or
servants, not soldiers; and three trusses per troop or company for the
washerwomen, to be changed every sixteen days, not having paillasses.
Thirty trusses of straw per troop or company are allowed on first
taking the field for thatching the women’s huts.
Regiments, _not having paillasses_, are allowed straw at the following
rates:
On taking the field, two trusses of 36 pounds each to every five men,
at the end of eight days to be refreshed by one truss, and at the end
of eight days more to be refreshed again by the same quantity. At the
end of twenty-four days the whole to be removed, and an entire new
bedding to be given, and refreshed as before, viz. two trusses for
every five men.
Four pounds of straw are to be added to the ration forage for the
cavalry and artillery horses only.
Six pounds of straw are to be allowed to the general officers and
staff, in addition to the prescribed ration of forage. See REGULATIONS.
STRAW. _For straw!_ is a word of command in the British service, to
dismiss the soldiers when they have stacked their arms, so that they
may be ready on the first signal given.
STREAKS, are the iron bands on the outside of the wheel to bind the
fellies strongly together.
STREAK-_nails_, are those driven through the streaks into the fellies.
STREET. See ENCAMPMENT.
STREET-_firing_. See FIRING.
STRELITZ. A Russian word, whose plural number is _strelitzy_, derived
from _strelai_, an arrow, in the same language. An ancient militia,
which was formerly kept in pay among the Muscovites both in time of
peace and in time of war, was so called. The men who composed it always
served on foot, and were originally armed, as their name indicates,
with bows and arrows. They afterwards received musquets or firelocks,
and laid aside the bow and arrow. The rest of the Russian army, which
was only called together in cases of emergency, retained the bows,
arrows, and lances; with which each soldier armed himself according to
his own particular whim or notion.
In the remote periods of the Russian empire, the strelitzy were the
only regular body of troops that formed any part of the standing army
of that country. It consisted of twenty or twenty-four thousand men,
who enjoyed a multiplicity of privileges and immunities, and were
quartered in one of the suburbs of Moscow, which is still called
_Strelitzkaia Slaboda_. From the latitude allowed them, and the
peculiar indulgencies which these soldiers enjoyed, they might be well
compared to the Prætorian bands under the first Roman emperors, and,
in some degree, to the Janizaries of Constantinople. They frequently
mutinied like the latter, and interfered in the management of public
affairs. Their last revolt, however, was fatal to them. It happened in
1698, during the absence of the Czar Peter the first, who on his return
into Russia, broke the whole corps, erased its name from the list of
military establishments, and put his troops upon the same footing that
those of the rest of Europe were.
The established pay of a _strelitz_ was seven rubles, and twelve combs
and bushels of grain every year.
Grain, even in these days, is given as a necessary ration to a Russian
soldier, which he bakes or roasts upon thin plates of iron, and then
reduces to meal, making therewith a sort of dough, called _Toloqueno_.
Every man always carries a good portion of this subsistence about him,
to which he adds a small cruet of vinegar. By soaking this meal in
water mixed with a little vinegar, he contrives to make a sort of soup
or broth, which the Russians, who are fond of acids, find extremely
palatable; and by giving it the consistency of dough, it serves for
bread and meat. When the Russian soldier can procure a few greens, such
as cabbage, &c. to mix with his _toloqueno_, he makes a complete meal,
which he calls _Chety_. A _tcharotcheka_, or small glass of brandy,
makes up the measure of a full repast. It must be acknowleged, that
where soldiers can be brought to satisfy the cravings of nature in this
economical manner, great advantages must be derived, especially in long
marches through an uncultivated or desert country. We cannot, however,
recommend its adoption except in cases of urgent necessity, and on
services where there might be a possibility of absolute want, from the
destruction or poverty of a country into which an army marches. The
fare itself is not calculated to add vigor and activity to the body, or
to keep alive that promptitude and fire which are required in military
operations.
STRENGTH. This word may be variously understood in military matters,
viz.
STRENGTH. Fortification; fortress; stronghold. It likewise signifies
armament; power; force. In all returns which are made of corps,
_strength_ implies the number of men that are borne upon the
establishment, in contradistinction to _effective force_, which means
the number fit for service. Hence, the strength of a battalion, troop,
or company, &c. The allowance for the repair of arms, &c. is issued
according to the return which is made, not of the _effective force_,
but of the established strength of a troop or company.
STRICT. Exact, severe, rigorous; the contrary to mild, indulgent.
Hence, a strict officer. It is sometimes used in a bad sense, to
signify a petulant, troublesome commander.
_To_ STRIKE. This word is variously used in military phraseology, viz.
_To_ STRIKE _at_. To attack; to endeavor to destroy, directly or
indirectly.
_To_ STRIKE _off_. To erase; to blot out; as to strike off the list of
the army. This can only be done by the order of the president of the
United States.
_To_ STRIKE _a tent_. In castrametation, to loosen the cords of a
tent which has been regularly pitched, and to have it ready, in a few
minutes, to throw upon a bat-horse or baggage waggon.
_To_ STRIKE _terror into an enemy_. To cause alarm and apprehension in
him; to make him dread the effects of superior skill and valor.
_To_ STRIKE _a blow_. To make some decisive effort.
_To_ STRIKE _the colors_. This is properly a naval term, but it may
be applied to military matters on some occasions. Thus at the battle
of Fontenoy, when the British had driven the French out of the field,
Louis XV. who was upon an eminence in the neighborhood with his
guards, &c. ordered the royal standard to be _struck_, from a full
persuasion that the day was lost.
STRIPE. Dr. Johnson calls a stripe a lineary variation of color.
Regimental sword knots are directed to be made of blue with silver or
gold in stripes.
STRUCTURE, (_Structure_, _Fr._) The manner in which any thing is built.
_Une édifice de belle structure._ An edifice which is built in a
handsome manner.
_To_ STRUGGLE _with or against_. To make extraordinary exertion in
direct contest with an enemy, or against superior forces.
STUC, _Fr._ Stucco, gypsum or plaster of Paris.
STUCCO. A sort of fine white mortar or composition, which is made of
lime mixed with gypsum or lime. It is used for the outward covering of
all sorts of works, and when it is perfectly dry, it has the appearance
of the finest polished stone.
STUCATEURS, _Fr._ The men employed at stucco work.
SUB. A familiar abbreviation which is used in the British army to
signify _subaltern_.
SUB-_brigadier_. An officer in the British horse-guards, who ranks as
cornet.
SUB-_lieutenant_. An officer in the British regiments of artillery
and fuzileers, where they have no ensigns; and is the same as second
lieutenant.
SUBA, or _Soobah_, _Ind._ A province.
SUBADAR, _Ind._ The governor of a province. It likewise signifies a
black officer, who ranks as captain in the English East India company’s
troops; but ceases to have any command when an European officer is
present.
SUBADARY, _Ind._ The appointment or office of a subadar.
SUBALTERNS, (_Officiers subalternes_, _Fr._) Subaltern officers. This
word is used among the French, as with us, to signify all officers of
a certain inferior degree, viz. _Les subalternes_, the subalterns. The
term is commonly applied in a regiment to the officers below the rank
of captain, in relation to that officer; but, strictly, every officer
is subaltern to the grades above him, as the captain is subaltern to
the major, and so upward.
SUBDIVISION. The half of a division. Thus if a company forms
a division, divided it forms two subdivisions. In the British
organization, two companies added together make a grand division;
except the flank companies, which constitute grand divisions of
themselves; but in actual service, according to the best modern
principles, the division is not limited to any given number, but must
depend on the strength of the force, and the skill and discretion of
the officer.
DIVISION, in the French system, is also applied in the same manner as
the term brigade in the English; the French _division_ consists of
several regiments, three or more, up to seven or eight; the general
of division is of the same rank as the major general in the British
establishment.
SUBDUR, _Ind._ Chief.
SUBJECT, (_Sujet_, _Fr._) One who lives under the dominion of another.
It is only used in the first instance, as no one can be the subject
of a secondary power, although he is bound to obey his orders. Thus
soldiers are obliged to submit to the orders of a general, but they are
not his subjects. The French make the same distinction.
SUBORDINATION. A perfect submission to the orders of superiors; a
perfect dependence, regulated by the rights and duties of every
military man, from the soldier to the general. Subordination should
shew the spirit of the chief in all the members; and this single idea,
which is manifest to the dullest apprehension, suffices to shew its
importance. Without _subordination_ it is impossible that a corps can
support itself; that its motions can be directed, order established,
or the service carried on. In effect, it is _subordination_ that gives
a soul and harmony to the service: it adds strength to authority, and
merit to obedience; and while it secures the efficacy of command,
reflects honor upon its execution. It is _subordination_ which prevents
every disorder, and procures every advantage to an army.
SUBSIDIARY _troops_. Troops of one nation assisting those of another
for a given sum or subsidy.
_To_ SUBSIST. In a military sense, to give pay or allowance, &c.
to soldiers; as a captain of the light company will subsist 20 men
belonging to other companies, for so many days during the march. The
French do not use the term in the same sense.
SUBSISTANCE _des piéces_, _Fr._ This term is used among the French to
signify the pay or allowance which is given to the officer, bombardier,
and men belonging to the train of artillery who serve the batteries.
SUBSISTENCE, (_Subsistance_, _Fr._) in a military sense of the word may
be divided into two sorts, viz. That species of subsistence which is
found in the adjacent country: such as forage, and frequently corn that
is distributed in parcels; and that which is provided at a distance,
and regularly supplied by means of a well-conducted commissariat. The
latter consists chiefly of meat, bread, beer, &c. To these may be added
wood or coals, and straw, which are always wanted in an army. Every
general will take proper precautions to have his men well supplied with
these first necessaries in life. Baron d’Espagnac has written at large
upon this important subject. See _Elemens Militaires_, tom. i. page
162; and that writer’s _Suite de l’essai sur la science de la Guerre_,
tom. i. page 246.
_Subsistence_ likewise means pay or allowance.
SUBSTITUTE _in the militia_. A person who voluntarily serves in the
room of another.
SUBSTITUTION, _Fr._ An algebraical term used by the French, signifying
to substitute in an equation any quantity in the room of another, which
is equal to it, but which is differently expressed.
SUBTANGENT, in any curve, is the line which determines the intersection
of the tangent in the axis prolonged.
SUBTENSE, (_Soutendante_, _Fr._) A geometrical term signifying the
base of an angle, that is to say, a strait line opposite to an angle,
which is supposed to be drawn from the two extremes of the section that
measures it. Likewise the chord of an arch; that which is extended
under any thing.
SUBURBS, (_Fauxbourgs_, _Fr._) Buildings without the walls of a city.
SUCCESSION _of rank_. Relative gradation according to the dates of
commissions, or the regulations established.
SUCCOUR, in _war_. Assistance in men, stores, or ammunition.
SUD, _Fr._ This word is variously used by the French. It signifies
in the sea language the south wind and the southern regions; and it
signifies in an absolute sense, one of the four cardinal winds which
blows from the south. Hence _Le Sud_, the south wind. _Sud est ou sud
ouest_, south east or south west.
SUISSES, _Fr._ The Swiss soldiers who were in the pay of France
previous to the 10th of August 1792, were generally so called. It
was also a general term to signify stipendiary troops. Hence _point
d’argent, point de suisses!_ which agrees with our cant phrase--No pay,
no soldier.
SUITE, _or_ SERIES, _Fr._ This term signifies generally any regular
collection and successive distribution of things.
_Officiers à la_ SUITE, _Fr._ Supernumerary officers attached to a
regiment, &c. during the monarchy of France, who were not required to
do duty with it.
SULPHUR, or _brimstone_, a volcanic mineral essential in making
gunpowder and artificial fire-works.
SULTAN _or_ SULTAUN, _Ind._ King. The title which was assumed by Tippoo
Saib, chief of the Mysore country. Hence called Tippoo Sultaun.
SULTAN _shirki_, _Ind._ King of the east.
SULTAUNUT, _Ind._ The decorations or appendages annexed to royalty.
SUMMONS. The act of demanding the surrender of a place, or body of men.
SUMNUTCHEER, _Ind._ A word, among others, which signifies Saturday.
SUMOODER, _Ind._ The sea or main ocean.
SUMPTER. See BAT-HORSE.
SUN, _Ind._ The year.
SUNAUT, _Ind._ Old rupees on which a discount is allowed. Hence _Sunaut
Rupees_.
SUNEEBAR, _Ind._ Another word for Saturday.
SUNEECHUR, _Ind._ A word likewise meaning Saturday.
SUNNUD, _Ind._ A charter, grant, or patent, from any man in authority.
When it was given by the mogul, it obtained the appellation of
_Firmaun_.
SUNNUD _dewauny_, _Ind._ A grant or instrument in writing, which
entitles a person to hold land in India.
SUNSET. See RETREAT BEATING.
SUNSET. The time at which the evening gun fires, and the retreat is
beat in camp, or quarters, &c. When troops are embarked on board
transports, the men parade at half an hour before sunset, quite clean
as to their persons.
SUPERANNUATED, (_Suranné-ée_, _Fr._) In a military sense, rendered
unfit for service through old age.
SUPERFICIES, (_Superficie_, _Fr._) Outline; exterior surface; extent
without depth. The curved superficies are divided into two sorts, viz.
the convex and concave.
SUPERINTENDANT, (_Surintendant_, _Fr._) A person appointed to take
charge of any particular district or department. Hence, military
superintendant.
SUPERIOR _officer_. Any officer of higher rank, or who has priority in
the same rank, by the date of his commission, &c.
SUPERNUMERARY, (_Surnumeraire_, _Fr._) Beyond a fixed or stated number.
In a strict military sense it means the officers and non-commissioned
officers that are attached to a regiment or battalion for the purpose
of supplying the places of such as fall in action, and for the better
management of the rear ranks when the front is advancing or engaged.
Supernumerary officers and non-commissioned officers must always divide
their ground equally in the rear of the division they belong to, and
pay the strictest attention to the orders which are issued for its
exercise or movement.
If an officer is killed or wounded in action, the first supernumerary
officer of the division takes the command, and so on to the
quarter-master and serjeants.
_To_ SUPERSEDE, (_Remplacer_, _Fr._) See TO RESPITE.
_To be_ SUPERSEDED, (_Etre remplacé_, _Fr._) Both these terms are used
by the French in the same military sense that we employ them, viz. to
be deprived of rank and pay for some offence, and to have others put in
one’s stead.
SUPPLEANT, _Fr._ A substitute. Any person named to do the functions of
another.