Part 160

_Light_ TROOPS have been sometimes called irregulars, as they act in detached and loose bodies. The tirailleurs, Tyrolians, Yagers, sharp-shooters, and the _Chasseurs a cheval et a pied_, to which the French owe so much during the whole course of their stupendous revolution, were of this description. What was called advancing _en masse_, by the French, was nothing more than very large bodies of irregulars (or light troops), which covered the country, in the front of their armies, like an inundation. To their irregulars, and to their light artillery are the French indebted for most of the victories they have gained. The troops stiled in France chasseurs, are, more or less, to be met with in every service in Europe, except the British. The Austrians have many regiments of them; the Prussians have them attached, in a certain proportion, to each corps; but the French, seeing the good effect of these irregulars, have brought them more into the field than all the combined powers together.

The operations in the spring of 1794, were in an open country near Cambray; the French then felt the superiority of the enemy’s cavalry; and saw that the irregulars, with which the French army abounded, were useless, and would continue so, unless they could force the British to make war in an enclosed country; and this they effected by obliging them to return into Flanders, to protect their magazines, and cover their communication with them. That country is much inclosed; and there all the irregulars could act. From that hour the British constantly lost ground, holding only those points they thought proper to cover with works; and in the short space of a few weeks, it may be said in a few days, those armies which had been acting offensively, were actually obliged to act defensively. Was that army diminished by slaughter or sickness? No: but the French armies, it is said, were increased: true; and with what? Irregulars: requisition men or volunteers; first without discipline, but not without ardor to fight: and from the moment the British commenced their sad retreat from Tournay, till they arrived near Breda, nothing was to be seen but the French irregular troops, that is tirailleurs or riflemen.

TROOPER, (_Cavalier_, _Fr._) A horse soldier. According to Dr. Johnson, a trooper fights only on horseback; a dragoon marches on horseback, but fights either as a horseman or footman. There is no such thing as a trooper in the British service. The Blues were the last corps that deserved that appellation; but they now act, like the rest of the cavalry, on foot.

TROPHEE, _Fr._ See TROPHY.

_Faire_ TROPHEE, _Fr._ To glory in.

TROPHY. Something taken from an enemy, and shewn or treasured up in proof of victory. Among the ancients, it consisted of a pile or heap of arms of a vanquished enemy, raised by the conqueror in the most eminent part of the field of battle.

The trophies were usually dedicated to some of the gods, especially to Jupiter. The name of the deity to whom they were inscribed, was generally mentioned, as was that also of the conqueror. The spoils were first hung upon the trunk of a tree; but instead of trees, succeeding ages erected pillars of stone or brass, to perpetuate the memory of their victories. To demolish a trophy was looked upon as a sacrilege, because they were all consecrated to some deity.

TROPHY-_money_. Certain money annually raised in several countries towards providing artillery harness, and maintaining the militia.

TROPIQUE, _Fr._ Tropic. It is likewise used as an adjective, and signifies tropical.

_Baptême du_ TROPIQUE, _Fr._ The ceremony which is performed when a person crosses the line for the first time.

TROSSERS, TROUSE, TROWSERS, kind of breeches reaching down to the ankles, worn by some regiments of infantry and light cavalry. See PANTALOON.

TROTTOIR, _Fr._ Footway. It more properly means a raised pavement on the sides of a street or bridge, for the convenience of foot passengers.

TROU, _Fr._ A hole.

TROU _de mineur_, _Fr._ A lodgement which is made for the safety and convenience of a miner, when he first begins his operation.

TROU _de loup_. A cone reversed. Diameter of the base 4 feet 6 inches: depth 6 feet; picket 6 feet long, and from 4 to 5 inches square; contain ³⁄₄ of a cubic fathom of earth, and are usually placed 2 in 3 fathoms.

TROUBLESOME, from the verb to trouble. Importunate, teazing, full of molestation. This word is frequently misapplied in military matters. Many officers who have the public service of their country at heart, are improperly called _troublesome_, because they will not add, by negligence or connivance, to the too frequent abuses which exist in the interior economy of military establishment.

TROUGH. A hollow wooden vessel to knead bread in. It is used among the utensils of field bakery.

TROUPES, _Fr._ Troops, forces.

TROUPES _legeres_, _Fr._ Light troops.

TROUS-DE-LOUP, in field fortifications, are round holes, about 6 feet deep, and pointed at the bottom, with a stake placed in the middle. They are frequently dug round a redoubt, to obstruct the enemy’s approach. They are circular at the top, of about 4¹⁄₂ feet diameter.

TROUSSE, _Fr._ A quiver. It also signifies any bundle of things tied together, viz. _Une trousse de foin_, a bundle of hay. See TRUSS.

TROUSSEAU, _Fr._ A long piece of wood in the shape of a cane, that is, having one end smaller than the other, which is used in foundries to make cannon-moulds.

TROUSSEPAS, _Fr._ A sort of iron spade which is used in cutting turf.

TRUCE, (_Treve_, _Fr._) A suspension of arms, or a cessation of hostilities, between two armies, in order to settle articles of peace, bury the dead, &c.

TRUCK. Wooden wheels for the carriage of cannon, &c.

TRUCKS of a ship-carriage, are wheels made of one piece of wood, from 12 to 19 inches diameter; and their thickness is always equal to the calibre of the gun.

The trucks of garrison-carriages are sometimes made of cast iron.

A truck-carriage goes upon four trucks of 24 inches diameter; has two flat side pieces of ten inches broad, and serves to carry guns, ammunition boxes, or any other weights, from the store houses to the water side, or to any small distance.

_To_ TRUCKLE. This word is adopted from the trucklebed, which is a low mean bed that can be pushed under another. Hence,

_To_ TRUCKLE TO. To submit to; to allow the superiority of another.

TRUEBORN. According to Dr. Johnson, having a right by birth to any title.

TRUELLE, _Fr._ A trowel.

TRULL. A vagrant strumpet; or one that has promiscuous dealings upon the road or elsewhere, with men of all descriptions. Hence, a soldier’s trull. In every well regulated camp and garrison the utmost precaution should be taken, to prevent these wretches from having the least intercourse with the soldiery. Notwithstanding the presumed, or reputed immorality of the French nation, the strictest regard was paid to the character and health of their armies. During the monarchy, prostitutes were publicly exposed upon a wooden horse. See CHEVAL DE BOIS.

TRUMEAU, _Fr._ In architecture, the space in a wall which is between two windows. It also signifies a pier-glass.

TRUMPET, or _Trump_. A wind instrument made of brass or silver, with a mouth piece to take out and put in at pleasure. Each troop of cavalry has one.

TRUMPETER. The soldier who sounds the trumpet.

TRUMPET _Soundings_. See SOUNDINGS.

TRUNCHEON. A club; a cudgel; also a staff of command. The _truncheon_ was for several ages the sign of office; generals were presented with the truncheon as the sign of investiture with command; and all those officers who belonged to the suite of the general, and were not attached to regiments, carried a _truncheon_ or _staff_, whence the name of officers of the _staff_. See BATOON.

_To_ TRUNCHEON. To beat with a truncheon. Dr. Johnson has quoted a passage out of Shakespeare, which is extremely apposite to those blustering imposing characters that sometimes annoy public places, and commit swindling acts of depredation under the assumed title of captain. _Captain! thou abominable cheater! if captains were of my mind, they would truncheon you out of taking their names upon you before you earned them!_

TRUNCHEONEER. One armed with a truncheon.

TRUNNIONS, in guns. Two cylindric pieces of metal in a gun, mortar, or howitzer, which project from pieces of ordnance, and by which they are supported upon their carriages. See CANNON.

TRUNNION-_plates_, are two plates in travelling carriages, mortars, and howitzers, which cover the upper parts of the side-pieces, and go under the trunnions. The French have made improvements on this article; they have two pair of _trunnion_ plates; one pair, in which the gun is placed for _action_; the gun is removed into the other for _travelling_; and are so denominated. See _Am. Mil. Lib._

TRUSQUINS, _Fr._ Tools made use of by carpenters and joiners. They are called _trusquins d’assemblage_, and trusquins _à longue pointe_.

TRUSS. A bundle; as a bundle of hay or straw. Any thing thrust close together. Trusses of this description have been sometimes used in military affairs. The men carrying them in front for the purpose of deadening shot.

TRUSS _of forage_, is as much as a trooper can carry on his horse’s crupper. See SPUN HAY.

_To_ TRUST. To give credit to, on promise of payment. No soldier shall be liable to be arrested for a sum under 20_l._ and then an oath of the debt must be made before a magistrate.

TRUSTY. Honest; faithful; true; fit to be trusted. This word is used in the preamble of military commissions, &c. viz. To our _trusty and well beloved_.

TUBE, _Fr._ A pipe, a siphon. It is particularly applied to optical instruments.

TUBES of tin plates are the best for service. Tubes must pass through a guage of ²⁄₁₀ of an inch diameter. The composition is mealed powder, mixt up stiff with spirits of wine. They are made up in bundles of 100 each.

_Length of tin tubes._

+------------------------------------------------- | Kind of Ordnance. +------+-------+------+---------+--------+-------- | | | | | Land | Sea Length.|Heavy.|Medium.|Light.|Howitzer.|Mortars.|Mortars. -------+------+-------+------+---------+--------+-------- Inches.| Pr. | Pr. | Pr. | Inch. | Inch. | In. 12·2 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | 13 8·8 | 24 | 24 | -- | -- | -- | -- 8·2 | 18 | 18 | -- | -- | -- | -- 7·75 | 12 | 12 | -- | -- | 13 | 10 6·8 | 9 | 9 | -- | -- | -- | -- 6·5 | 6 | -- | 24 | 8 | 10 | -- 5·9 | 3 | 6 | 12 | 5¹⁄₂ | -- | -- 5·0 | -- | -- | -- | -- | 8 | -- 4·75 | 1¹⁄₂| 1¹⁄₂| 6 | -- | -- | -- 4·2 | -- | -- | -- | 4²⁄₅ | 5¹⁄₂ | -- 3·6 | - | -- | -- | -- | 4²⁄₅ | -- -------+------+-------+------+---------+--------+--------

If tin tubes get damaged by wet, the composition may be cleared out of them, and they may be fresh filled. If spirits of wine cannot be had, good rum or brandy will answer the purpose.

TUCDUMMA, _Ind._ An account which is closed, after it has been examined.

TUCK. A long narrow sword.

TUDESQUE, _Fr._ Teutonic; Germanic.

TUERIE, _Fr._ Slaughter; massacre.

TUF. A soft sandy stone which answers two purposes, either to build upon or to build with. It is likewise _tufeau_. The French say, figuratively, _C’est un homme de tuf_--He is a man of no depth or profound knowlege.

TUG, _Fr._ A Turkish term for tail; a sort of standard called so by the Turks. It consists of a horse’s tail which is fixed to a long pole or half pike, by means of a gold button. The origin of this standard is curious. It is said, that the Christians having given battle to the Turks, the latter were broken, and in the midst of their confusion lost their grand standard. The Turkish general, being extremely agitated at the untoward circumstances which happened, most especially by the loss of the great standard, cut off a horse’s tail with his sabre, fixed it to a half pike, and holding it in his hand, rode furiously towards the fugitives and exclaimed--_Here is the great standard; let those who love me, follow into action!_ This produced the desired effect. The Turks rallied with redoubled courage, rushed into the thickest of the enemy, and not only gained the victory, but recovered their standard. Other writers assert, that six thousand Turks having been taken prisoners during a general engagement, contrived to escape from their guard or escort, and afterwards fought so gallantly, that they regained another battle; that in order to recognize one another, they cut off a horse’s tail which they carried as a standard; that when they joined the Ottoman army, they still made use of the tug or tail; that the Turks, in consequence of the victory which was obtained under this new standard, looked upon it as a happy omen; and that since that period they have always fought under it as their banner, and the signal of success.

Whatever may have been the origin, it is certain, that when the Grand Signor takes the field in person, seven of these tails are always carried before him; and when he is in camp, they are planted in front of his tent.

The Grand Visier is entitled to three of these tails.

The three principal bashaws of the empire, (viz. those of Bagdad, Grand Cairo, and Breda,) have the grand signor’s permission to use this mark of distinction, throughout the whole extent of their jurisdiction.

Those bashaws that are not visiers, have the privilege of having two tails.

The beys, who are subordinate to the bashaws, have only one.

In the bas-relievo which is under the tomb-stone of John Casimir, king of Poland, in the abbey church of _St. Germain des Prés de Paris_, that monarch is represented at the head of his cavalry, with a horse’s tail or tug for its standard.

TUGPINS, are the iron pins which pass through the fore end of the shafts of the army carts, to fasten the draught chains for the fore horses.

TUILE, _Fr._ A tile.

TUILE _creuse_, _Fr._ A gutter tile.

TUILE _de petit moule_, _Fr._ A tile measuring about ten inches in length, and six in breadth. About 300 cover a square toise.

TUILE _de grand moule_, _Fr._ A tile measuring about 13 inches in length, and about eight and a half in breadth. One thousand are sufficient to cover seven toises.

TUILEAU, _Fr._ Shard of a tile.

TUILERIE, _Fr._ Tile kiln.

TUILERIES, _Fr._ The gardens, belonging to the ci-devant royal palace in Paris, are so called, from the spot having originally been used for tile-kilns.

TUKKEKYAH, _Ind._ Carpenters.

TUKNAR JUMMA, _Ind._ Money brought more than once to account.

TULUBANA, _Ind._ A fee, taken by Peons when placed as guards over any person.

TULLUB, _Ind._ This word literally means a demand; but it also signifies _wages_, _pay_.

TULLUB _chitty_, _Ind._ A summons for _pay_.

TULWAR, _Ind._ A sword.

TUMBRELS, (_Tombereaux_, _Fr._) Covered carts, which carry ammunition for cannon, tools for the pioneers, miners, and artificers; and sometimes the money of the army.

TUMSOOK, _Ind._ A bond.

TUNKAW, _Ind._ An assignment.

TUNES, _Fr._ Small twigs which are inlaced, or twisted across, around several stakes planted in the earth, and which serve to keep the fascines together.

TUNIC, (_Tunique_, _Fr._) A coat with short sleeves above the elbow; a tunic. It derives its name from the Latin word _Tunica_, a close coat, which was the common garment worn within doors by itself, and abroad under the gown. It was distinguished by different names among the Romans, corresponding with the several classes of the people that were clothed according to their rank in life. See _Kennett’s Roman Antiquities_, p. 311, &c.

This sort of clothing is still worn in the east, and was prevalent among the French after their return from the crusades to the Holy Land. They adopted it from the Saracens, and seemed ambitious of appearing in a garb which bore testimony to their feats of valor. These tunics, which were converted into a sort of uniform, obtained the name of _Saladines_ among the French, in compliment to the emperor Saladin. Hence too the origin of _Salade_, which not only signified the armor that was worn beneath the _tunic_ or _saladine_, but also the light helmet of that name.

TUNIQUE, _Fr._ Among the French signifies likewise a particular dress which was worn by the kings, under their robes of state at a coronation.

TUNTUNGI-_Bashi_. A Turkish term signifying master of the pipes, a situation under the pacha.

TUQUE, _Fr._ A tarpaulin.

TURBAN, TURBANT, TURBAND, (_Turban_, _Fr._) A cover consisting of several folds of white muslin, &c. which was worn by the Turks and other oriental nations. The blacks belonging to the different bands that are attached to British regiments likewise wear turbans, ornamented with fictitious pearls and feathers. Those of the foot guards are particularly gorgeous. The French say familiarly _Prendre le Turban_, to turn Turk.

The great Turk bears over his arms a turban enriched with pearls and diamonds, under two coronets. The first, which is made of pyramidical points, is heightened up with large pearls, and the uppermost is surmounted with crescents.

_Green_ TURBAN. A turban worn by the immediate descendants of Mahomed, and by the idiots or saints in Turkey.

_White_ TURBAN. A turban generally worn by the inhabitants of the East.

_Yellow_ TURBAN. A turban worn by the Polygars who are chiefs of mountainous or woodland districts in the East Indies. By the last accounts from India, this turban has been adopted by the revolted natives of that part of the globe, as a signal of national coincidence and national understanding. The Polygars are in possession of very extensive tracts of country, particularly among the woods and mountains, and are likely to be extremely troublesome to the British. For an interesting account of them see _Orme’s History of the Carnatic_, pages 386, 390, 396, 420, &c.

TURCIE, _Fr._ Mole; pier; dyke.

TURK, (_Turc_, _Fr._) The following account of the Turks has been given by a modern French writer:--“The Turks are a nation that is naturally warlike, whose armies are commanded by experienced generals, and are composed of bold and executive soldiers. They owe their knowlege of war, and their experience in tactics to three national causes, two of which do credit to their intellects. In the first place, they become enured to arms, from being bred to the profession from their earliest infancy: in the second, they are promoted upon the sole ground of merit, and by an uninterrupted gradation of rank: and in the third, they possess all the opportunities of learning the military art that constant practice and habitual warfare can afford. They are naturally robust, and constitutionally courageous, full of activity, and not at all enervated by the debaucheries of Europe, or the effeminacy of the East. Their predilection for war and enterprise, grows out of the recollection of past victories, and is strengthened by the two most powerful incentives to human daring, viz. reward and punishment; the first of which is extremely attractive, because it is extremely great, and the other equally deterring, because it is rigorous in the extreme. Add to these the strong influence of a religion, which holds out everlasting happiness and seats near Mahomed in heaven, to all who die fighting for their country on the field of battle; and which further teaches them most implicitly to believe, that every Turk has written upon his forehead his fatal moment, with the kind of death he must submit to, and that nothing human can alter his destiny. When any thing is to be put into execution, the order they receive is absolute, free from every species of intervention or control, and emanating from one independent authority. The power which is entrusted to their generals (like that of the Romans to their dictators) is brief and comprehensive, viz.--“Promote the interests of your country or your sovereign.” See _Essai sur la Science de la Guerre_, tom. i. p. 207.

Such is the character of the Turks, as detailed by their old allies the French. How far it corresponds with reality, especially in regard to military knowlege, we must leave to future historians to determine; observing at the same time, that a few sparks of British valor and perseverance have contributed more to the preservation of the Ottoman empire, during the present war, than all the fantastic images, or well-devised hypocrisies of Mahomed could have done. Our brave countrymen, on their return from Egypt, will probably be enabled to give a more faithful and correct account of their characters as soldiers.

TURMA. A troop of cavalry among the ancient Romans. The horse required to every legion was three hundred, divided into ten turmæ or troops, thirty to a troop, every troop making three decuriæ, or _squads_. See _Kennett_, R. A. p. 192.

TURNCOAT. A renegade, a deserter; one who abandons his party.

TURNOVER. A piece of white linen which is worn by the soldiers belonging to the British cavalry over their stocks, about half an inch deep.

_To_ TURN _out_. To bring forward, to exhibit; as, to turn out the guard; to turn out so many men for service.

_To_ TURN _in_. To withdraw; to order under cover; as, to turn in the guard.

TURNPIKE, (_Barriere_, _Fr._) An obstacle placed across a road to prevent travellers, waggons, &c. from passing without paying an established toll. British officers and soldiers regimentally dressed, and on duty, pass through turnpikes gratis.

TURNPIKE is also used in the military art, for a beam stuck full of spikes, to be placed in a gap, a breach, or at the entrance of a camp, to keep off the enemy. It may be considered as a sort of _cheval de frize_.

TURPENTINE. A very combustible resin, much used in the composition of fire-works. All resins are discriminated from gums, by being soluble in oil but not in water; gums the contrary.

TURRET. A small tower.

_Moveable_ TURRETS. See TOWERS.

TUSSULDAR, _Ind._ The East India company’s collector of the kistybundy.

TUYAU, _Fr._ Any pipe, &c. of lead, or gutter, or canal, made of burnt clay, &c. which serves to carry off the water from the roof of a house.

TUYAU _de cheminee_, _Fr._ The cylindrical conduit which receives and lets out the smoke at the top of a chimney.

TUYAUX _de descente_, _Fr._ The pipes which convey the water downwards.

TYMPAN, (_Tympan_, _Fr._) In architecture, the area of a pediment, being that part which is on a level with the naked part of the frize. Or it is the space included between the three cornices of a triangular pediment, or the two cornices of a circular one.

TYMPAN _of an arch_, is the triangular space or table in the corners or sides of the arch, usually hollowed and enriched, sometimes with branches of laurel, olive-tree, or oak, or with trophies, &c. Sometimes with flying figures, as fame, victory, &c. or sitting figures, as the cardinal virtues.

TYMPANUM. A drum, a musical instrument which the ancients used, and which consisted of a thin piece of leather or skin, stretched upon a circle of wood or iron, and beat with the hand. Hence the origin of our drum.

TYMPANUM. In mechanics, a kind of wheel placed round an axis or cylindrical beam, on the top of which are two levers, or fixed staves, for the more easy turning the axis about, in order to raise a weight required. It is also used for any hollow wheel, wherein one or more persons or animals, such as horses, dogs, &c. walk to turn it. This wheel is found in cranes, calenders, &c.

V.

VACANCY, (_vacance_, _Fr._) State of an office or commission to which no one is appointed.

VACANT, (_Vacant_, _e._ _Fr._) Empty; not filled.