WAR. 189 



Cim'eter. — A short sword, witli a convex edge or recurvate 

 point, used by the Persians and Turks. 



Col'limn. — A formation of troops, narrow in front, and deep 

 from front to rear. It is contradistinguished from the line, 

 in which the troops display their front in its whole extent 

 with their minimum depth of formation. 



Commissa'riat. — That department of the service which is 

 charged with the supply of provisions for the soldiers. 



Com'pany. — A small body of infantry or artillery, the number 

 of which is never fixed, but is generally about one hun- 

 dred, commanded by a captain, assisted by two lieutenants. 



Convoy. — A guard of troops employed to escort prisoners, stores, 

 ammunition, or money, conveyed in time of war from one 

 point or place to another. 



Corps, — A grand division of an army, composed of an indefi- 

 nite number of organized troops. 



Countersign. — A watchword demanded by sentries of those 

 who approach their posts. 



Court'-Mar'tial. — A court consisting of military or naval offi- 

 cers, for the trial of offences of a military or naval char- 

 acter. 



Court of Inquiry. — A meeting of oflScerswho are empowered 

 to inquire into the conduct of an officer of the army, to 

 see whether there be ground for a court-martial. 



Cuirassiers'. — Heavy cavalry armed with cuirasses. 



Cul-de-sac'. — A position in which an army finds itself with no 

 way of exit but to the front. 



Cut'lass. — A broad, curving sword with but one cutting edge. 



Divis'ion. — A body consisting of a certain number of brigades, 

 usually two or three, and commanded by a major-general. 



Dragoons'. — A useful kind of cavalry, mounted on horses too 

 heavy for the hussars and too light for the cuirassiers. 



Engineer' Corps. — That branch of the service employed in 

 forming plans of works for offence or defence. 



Enlist'ment. — The writing by which a soldier is bound. 



Entrepots'. — IMagazines and places appropriate in garrison 

 towns for the reception of stores, etc. 



Ep'aulet. — An ornamental badge worn on the shoulder by 

 military men. 



Eq'uipage. — The furniture of an army or body of troops, in- 

 fantry or cavalry, including whatever is necessary for a 

 military expedition. Camp equipage includes tents, and 



