188 WAR. 



Biv'ouac. — A night-guard, performed by the whole army when 

 tliere is any apprehension of danger ; or an encampment 

 in tlie open air. 



Block'house. — A small fortified barrack, frequently used as a 

 keep or place of final defence in a field-work. 



Boom. — A chain of masts, a large cable, or other obstacle, 

 stretched across a liver or harbor-mouth, to protect a mil- 

 itary bridge or bar access. 



Breach. — The oi^ening formed by the partial demolition of a 

 rampart in order to permit an assault to be made upon the 

 defenders of a fortified place. 



Brevet' Rank. — A rank in the army higher than that for which 

 pay is received. 



Brigade'. — A division of troops, whether infantry, artillery, or 

 cavalry, commanded by a brigadier-general. It consists of 

 an indeterminate number of regiments, scpiadrons, or 

 battalions. A brigade of infantry may consist of from 

 one to six battalions ; of cavalry, of two or three regi- 

 ments ; of artillery, of six pieces of ordnance. 



Cais'son. — An ammunition-wagon or tumbrel. 



Calibre. — The bore or opening of a gun. 



Campaigil'. — The military operations of one season in the 

 field. 



Canteen'. — /» f^te British army, a public-house licensed in 

 every barrack or fort to sell liquors ; also a semi-cylindrical 

 tin case over a soldier's knapsack, to carry his cooked 

 victuals in. 

 In the United States army, a tin vessel used by soldiers for 

 carrying liquor for drink. 



Can'tonments. — When troops are detached and quartered in 

 different adjacent towns and villages, they are said to be 

 placed in cantonments. 



Capitula'tion. — The surrender of a fortress or army on stipu- 

 lated conditions. 



Car'tel. — A mutual agreement between two states at war, or 

 rival armies, for the exchange of prisoners. 



Castrameta'tion. — The art of regulating and laying out the 

 encampment of troops of all kinds. 



Cav'alry. — A body of military troops on horses. 



Chas'seurs. — A select body of infantry, formed on the left of 

 a battalion, and required to be particularly light, active, and 

 courasjeous. 



