P.

PAAT, Ind. A promissory note.

PACE. The common pace is of no determined length; though made use of as a measure by most military writers.

In Germany, and amongst most of the northern powers, the pace is considered equal to ²⁄₁₀ of a Rhinland rood.

In France the pace is commonly reckoned at 2¹⁄₂ feet. The military pace is 2 ft.

In England it is usually reckoned at 2¹⁄₂ feet.

The geometrical pace is equal to 5 French royal feet; 60,000 of which make a degree of the equator. This makes the geometrical pace equal to 6.102 English feet, and 5.6719 Rhinland feet.

For the military pace, see Marching.

To PACE, as a horse does: aller à pas, Fr. There are four kinds of paces in the manége, the walk, trot, gallop, and amble. The last, more particularly, is called a pace, or easy motion, wherein the horse raises the two feet of the same side together.

PACHA. The captain pacha, among the Turks, is the chief admiral and superintendant general of the marine. He generally commands in person. The sailors and soldiers of the military marine were formerly called lavans or lavantis; the soldiers are now called galiondjis.—The sailors are Turks from the maritime towns, or Greeks from the Archipelago. They are in constant pay. The soldiers, or galiondjis, are all mussulmen, and only receive pay when they are in actual service. We recommend to our military readers an important work, which has lately been published at Paris, and from which they will derive considerable information respecting the Turks. It is intituled, Travels in the Ottoman Empire, Egypt, and Persia, by citizen Olivier, member of the French National Institute.

PACKET-Boats, small vessels that sail from the different sea ports and carry passengers, mails, &c. and keep up a regular intercourse with different places.

PADDY, Ind. Rice in the husk whether dry or green.

PADSHA, Ind. A king.

PAGEANT, in ancient military history, a triumphal car, chariot, arch, or other like pompous decoration, variously adorned with colors, flags, &c. carried about in public shows, processions, &c.

PAGES, mousses ou garcons, Fr. Young lads of the description of English cabin boys, who learn navigation, and do the menial offices on board a French ship.

PAGOD, Ind. a general name given by the Portuguese to the temples in the east. It also denotes a coin. See Pagoda.

PAGODA, Ind. The place of worship among the Hindoos. It is likewise the name of a gold coin of the value of eight rupees. The English and Dutch coin pagodas. There are also silver pagodas struck, at Marsingua, &c. with the figure of some monstrous idol.

PAILS, made of wood, with iron hoops and handles, hold generally four gallons, and serve in the field to fetch water for the use of artillery works, &c.

PAILLASSES, Fr. Straw beds, commonly called paillasses. These are furnished by the barrack-department for the accommodation of sick soldiers.

PAILLE, Fr. Straw.

Les soldats vont à la Paille, Fr. The soldiers are going to the forge yard or depot. This term is likewise used to signify the indulgence occasionally granted to soldiers for exercise or necessary evacuations. Thus when a battalion has gone through its manual, &c. the commanding officer gives the word à la paille.

Rompre la Paille avec quelqu’un, Fr. a figurative term, signifying to quarrel or fall out with any body, in an open and unreserved manner.

Paille, Fr. likewise signifies any flaw in metals. Cette lame est fine, mais il y a quelques pailles; this blade is finely tempered, but there are some flaws in it. La lame de son épée se cassa à l’endroit ou il y avoit une paille. The blade of his sword broke where there was a flaw.

PAILLER, Fr. Palearius. An ancient body of French militia. The soldiers belonging to it were probably so called either from the circumstance of their wearing straw in their helmets, in order to know one another in action, or because they were accustomed to set fire to their enemy’s habitations, &c. with bundles of straw, which they always carried with them for that purpose. The inquisitive may be more fully satisfied on this subject by referring to Ducange’s Glossary.

PAIN de Munition, Fr. Ammunition bread. In the folio edition of marshal Saxe’s reveries, page 16, we find the following important observations on the subject of ammunition bread. He states that bread never should be given to soldiers on active service, but that they should be accustomed to eat biscuits, for the following reasons:—Biscuits will keep a considerable number of years, and every soldier can conveniently carry with him in his haversack a sufficient quantity for seven or eight days. Those officers who have served among the Venetians, will readily prove the justness of this remark. But there is a species of biscuit, or hard baked bread, that never crumbles, (called soukari by the Russians) which is preferable to any thing of the kind. It is square, and about the thickness of a nut, and takes up less room than either bread or biscuits.

Purveyors, who are interested in the business, maintain a different opinion. They tell you that bread is best for troops. Every man of experience knows the contrary; for it is notorious, that contract, or ammunition bread, is not only made of unwholesome ingredients, but that it is seldom more than half baked; which together with the water it contains, increases the weight, and consequently enhances the value. Add to this, that purveyors must unavoidably increase the expence of the army by being obliged to employ a great number of bakers, bakers’ men, waggons, and horses. Independent of the expence, it is evident, that the operations of an army must unavoidably be clogged by the necessity of providing quarters for these people, of having a quantity of hand-mills, and of employing a certain number of effective men to form detachments for their security.

It is impossible to calculate the train of robberies and inconveniences which grow out of this system, the embarrassments it occasions to a general; but above all the diseases, which bread, supplied in this manner, will always engender, and the fatigue that the troops must necessarily undergo to get their rations. Were all these mischiefs obviated, there is still another evil in reserve, which no precaution can set aside. This is the certainty that an enemy may be under, with respect to your intentions and motions, by narrowly watching the establishment and disposition of your ovens. Were I, continues the marshal, to adduce instances and facts to corroborate these observations, I might dwell considerably at large upon the subject. I do not hesitate to say, that much ill success, which is attributed to other causes, proceeds entirely from the provision and distribution of ammunition bread. He even goes farther, for he asserts unequivocally, that soldiers ought sometimes to be enured to almost every species of privation, and instead of being provided with biscuit, occasionally to receive grain, which they must be taught to bake upon iron pallets, after having bruised and made it into dough.—Marshal Turenne has observed upon the same subject in his Memoirs. Marshal Saxe, indeed, does not scruple to say, that although there might be plenty of bread, he would, in conformity to the opinion of many good officers, suffer his men to feel the want of it. I have, adds the latter, been eighteen months successively on service with troops who during the whole of that period never tasted bread, and yet never once complained or murmured. I have, on the contrary, been frequently with others that had never familiarized themselves to that privation, and who, on the first appearance of want, were disheartened. In consequence of which the very nerve of enterprise and hardihood was broken, and nothing great could be undertaken.

The modern French armies have carried this idea to an astonishing extent and with success; not only their troops in the field are supplied with biscuit, but their horses also.

PALADIN, Fr. A name given to those ancient knights who were either what the French call comtes du palais, counts of the palace, or were princes lineally descended from Charlemagne, and other old kings.

PALANKEEN, Ind. a vehicle carried on the shoulders of four men, by means of a bamboo pole extending from each end: it carries one person in a reclining posture: it has a canopy which is supported by a pole raised along the centre, from whence it is pendent on either side. The palankeens are of various kinds; some are shaped like a chair, in which the person carried sits: in others they recline or sleep, and frequently journies of 2000 miles are thus performed.

PALEAGAS, Ind. See Polygars.

PALANQUE, Fr. a kind of fortification, so called in Hungary. It is made of stakes driven into the ground, interlaced with twigs, and covered with earth, and serves to stop the progress of an advancing enemy.

PALÆSTRA, in Grecian antiquity, a public building, where the youth exercised themselves in the military art, wrestling, running, playing at quoits, &c.

PALEE, Fr. The row of piles upon which a wooden bridge is constructed, is so called.

PALESTRE, Fr. a wrestling place, or exercising ground. It comes from the Latin, and was originally derived from the Greek.

PALIS, Fr. the rows of small pointed stakes, which serve for any species of inclosure, are so called. The term palissade is derived from it.

PALISADES, or PALISADOES, in fortification, stakes made of strong split wood, about nine feet long, six or seven inches square, three feet deep in the ground, in rows about 2¹⁄₂ or three inches asunder, placed in the covert-way, at three feet from and parallel to the parapet or side of the glacis, to secure it from surprise.

They are also used to fortify the avenues of open forts, gorges, half moons, the bottoms of ditches, and, in general, all posts liable to surprise. They are usually fixed perpendicularly, though some make an angle inclining towards the ground next the enemy, that the ropes cast over them, to tear them up, may slip off.

Turning Palisades, are an invention of Mr. Cohorn, in order to preserve the palisades of the parapet of the covert-way from the besiegers shot. They are so ordered, that as many of them as stand in the length of a rod, or about ten feet, turn up and down like traps, so as not to be in the sight of the enemy, till they just bring on their attack; and yet are always ready to do the proper service of palisades.

Palissades, Fr. See Palisades.

Palissades de camp, Fr. several pieces of wood so arranged and tied together, that they may with great dispatch be fixed in the ground, which is marked out for the encampment of an army.

Palissades ferrèes, palisades that are shod with iron. They are used in shallow streams and marshes to prevent small craft from plying, or persons from crossing them on foot.

PALKEE, Ind. See Palankeen.

PALL, a covering thrown over the dead. It is always used in military burials.

PALLAS, a name in the Heathen mythology, which is given to Minerva, who was looked upon as the goddess of war.

PALUDAMENTUM, (Chlamys) among the ancients, a garment worn in time of war by the principal men of Rome, especially the generals, who were called for that reason paludati. The soldiers, having only short coats, called a sagum, were denominated sagati.

The paludamentum was open on the sides, coming down no lower than the navel, and had short sleeves. It was either of a white, purple, or red color, and sometimes black. Kennett, in his Roman Antiquities, page 313, says, the old paludamentum of the generals was all scarlet, only bordered with purple; and the chlamydes of the emperors were all purple, commonly beautified with a golden or embroidered border.

PAN, the side of a rectangle or irregular figure.

Pan, likewise means the distance which is comprized between the angle of the epaule and the flanked angle in fortification. See Face of a Bastion.

Pan, a name well known among the shepherds of antiquity, and frequently used by modern writers in their rural fictions. In military history it signifies a man who was lieutenant general to Bacchus in his Indian expedition. He is recorded to have been the first author of a general shout, which the Grecians practised in the beginning of their onset in battle. See Panic.

Pan, that part of the lock of a musquet, pistol, &c. which holds the priming powder.

PANACHE, -

PANNACHE,

Fr. a plume, a bunch of feathers.

Panaches flottans, Fr. nodding plumes.

Pannaches likewise signifies in architecture, the triangular part of an arch that contributes towards the support of a turret or elevation which is raised above the dome of any particular edifice.

PANCARTE, Fr. an ancient exercise or tournament, which was performed in the Roman amphitheatre, when strong athletic men were opposed to all sorts of enraged animals.

PANDOURS, are Hungarian infantry. They wear a loose garment fixed tight to their bodies by a girdle, with great sleeves, and large breeches reaching down to their ankles. They use firearms, and are excellent marksmen: they also wear a kind of sabre, near four feet long, which they use with great dexterity.

PANIC, -

PANIC fear,

sudden consternation which seizes upon men’s fancies without any visible cause; a needless or ill grounded fright. The reason why these terrors are attributed to Pan, was, as some say, because when Osiris was bound by Typho, Pan and the satyrs appearing, cast him into a fright; or because he frightened all the giants that waged war against Jupiter: or as others say, that when Pan was Bacchus’s lieutenant general in his Indian expedition, being encompassed in a valley, with an army of enemies, far superior to them in number, he advised the god to order his men to give a general shout, which so surprised the opposite army, that they immediately fled from their camp. And hence it came to pass, that all sudden fears impressed upon men’s spirits, without any just reason, were, by the Greeks and Romans, called panic terrors. (See Polyænus Stratag. book I.) The custom of shouting seems to have been used by almost all nations, barbarous as well as civil; and is mentioned by all writers who treat of martial affairs. Homer has several elegant descriptions of it, particularly one in the fourth Iliad, where he resembles the military noise to torrents rolling with impetuous force from the mountains into the adjacent vallies. We have likewise had our war-hoops.

PANIER à mine, Fr. See Bourriquet.

PANIERS, Fr. Baskets. Figuratively, un panier percé, a leaky vessel, or one who cannot keep a secret. A dangerous man in society: and in military concerns, one who ought to be particularly guarded against where discretion and confidence are necessary.

PANIQUE, Fr. See Panic.

PANNE, Fr. literally means shag, plush, &c. and is properly a sea term, signifying to lie to, mettre en panne. It is likewise used in a military sense, to express the steady posture of troops who are drawn up for battle, and wait an enemy’s attack. La troupe est restée en panne. The squadron remained immoveable.

PANNEAU, Fr. Trap, snare.

Donner dans le Panneau, Fr. to be ensnared, or outwitted.

PANNELS, in artillery, are the carriages which carry mortars and their beds upon a march.

PANNONCEAU, Fr. an ancient term, which was used to signify ensign or banner.

PANOPLY, complete armor or harness.

PANSEMENT, Fr. The dressing of wounds.

PANSER, Fr. to dress a wound.

Panser, Fr. in farriery, signifies to rub down, and otherwise to take care of a horse.

PANTHEON, in architecture, a temple of a circular form, dedicated to all the gods. The name has been adopted among modern nations from the Pantheon of ancient Rome, built by Agrippa in his third consulate, and dedicated to Jupiter Ultor, or Jupiter the avenger. There is a chapel in the Escurial in Spain, called Pantheon, of marble and jasper inlaid: the whole inside is of black marble, excepting the luthern, and some ornaments of jasper and red marble. The Pantheon at Paris during the progress of the French revolution, has been appropriated to national purposes; the names and busts of the most distinguished statesmen and generals being preserved therein as marks of public gratitude, and objects of public emulation. There is a building in London that bears the name of Pantheon, but that is all. It is private property, and the only public use to which it has been appropriated, has been that of operatical speculation, masquerades, or frivolous entertainments.

PANTOGRAPHE, Fr. a mathematical instrument, which serves to copy all sorts of drawings. The French have paid great attention to the improvement of this instrument, of which a minute description may be found in Cours de Mathématiques, by Pere Deschalles. But the sieur Panglois brought it to such perfection in 1750, that it is become universally useful.

PANTOMETER, an instrument used, to take all sorts of angles, distances and elevations. It was invented by the ancients, but has been greatly improved since.

PANTOMETRE, Fr. See Pantometer.

PAPIER de cartouche, Fr. Paper used for cartridges.

Papier gris, ou Papier brouillard, Fr. Whited brown paper.

Papiers et enseignemens, Fr. All the papers and manuscripts which are found on board a ship are so called.

PAQUEBOT, Fr. a modern French term, derived from packet-boat, which see.

PARABOLA, in geometry, a figure arising from the section of the cone, when cut by a plane parallel to one of its sides.

From the same points of the cone, therefore, only one parabola can be drawn; all the other sections within these parallels being ellipses, and all without hyperbolas.

Properties of the Parabola. The square of an ordinate is equal to the rectangle of the abscissa, and four times the distance of the focus from the vertex.

The perpendicular on the tangent, from the focus, is a mean proportional between the distance from the vertex to the focus, and the distance of the focus from the point of contact.

All lines within the parabola, which are drawn parallel to the axis, are called diameters.

The parameter of any diameter is a right line, of such a nature that the product under the same, and the abscissa, are equal to the square of the semi-ordinate.

The squares of all ordinates to the same diameter, are to one another as their abscissas.

Cartesian Parabola, is a curve of the second order, expressed by the equation xy = ax³ + bx² + cx + d containing four infinite legs, being the 66th species of lines of the third order, according to sir Isaac Newton: and is made use of by Descartes, in the third book of his geometry, for finding the roots of equations of six dimensions by its intersections with a circle.

Diverging Parabola, a name given by sir Isaac Newton to five different lines of the third order, expressed by the equation yy = ax³ + bx² + cx + d.

PARABOLE, Fr. See Parabola.

PARABOLOIDE, Fr. See Parabolic Conoid.

PARADE, originally consisted of a square court before cathedrals, surrounded with piazzas or porticoes for persons to walk under, being supported with pillars. It is now used in a military sense, to signify any place where troops assemble, and may be distinguished in the following manner:

General Parade, the place where soldiers belonging to different corps are drawn up, according to seniority, to mount guard, or to be exercised, &c.

Regimental Parade, the place where any particular regiment or corps is formed in line, &c.

Private Parade, any spot selected, in general by each captain of a troop or company, for the inspection of his men, previous to their being marched off to the regimental parade. This parade is likewise called company or troop parade. When troops are encamped, the general and regimental parades are usually in front of the line of tents; each regiment having its quarter-guard opposite, and the space between being sufficient to allow of the free exercise of the battalion. The companies have their private parades in the several streets of the camp.

Parade, in camp, is that spot of ground in the front of each encampment, between the camp colors, on the right and left wings.

Morning Parade. In every garrison town, fortified place and camp, as well as in every town through which soldiers pass, or occasionally halt, a certain hour in the morning is fixed for the assembling of the different corps, troops, or companies, in regular order.

Evening Parade. The hour generally fixed for the evening parade is at sunset. When troops are encamped, the signal for evening parade is given from the park of artillery, by the discharge of a piece of ordnance, which is called the evening gun.

To Parade, to assemble in a prescribed regular manner, for the purposes of being inspected, exercised, or mustered.

To Parade. This word is frequently used as an active verb, with respect to military matters, viz. to parade the guard, &c. It has likewise been adopted in Ireland to express the act of calling out a person in an affair of honor. The Irish familiarly say—I shall parade the gentleman to-morrow morning in the Phœnix Park.

Parade, Fr. The French make use of this term in various ways.

Parade, Fr. Show, ostentation.

Lit de Parade, Fr. Bed of state.

Cheval de Parade, Fr. a horse finely caparisoned, and kept for show.

Parade, Fr. in fencing, the act of parrying a thrust or blow.

Parade, Fr. the place or ground where soldiers parade.

Se mettre en Parade, Fr. to take one’s ground.

Faire la Parade, Fr. To do parade duty.

Monter la Parade, Fr. To take part in the regular line of parade.

Manquer sa Parade, Fr. in fencing, to miss one’s parry.

Etre hors de Parade, Fr. to parry wide, or stand exposed.

Paradis, Fr. that part of a harbor in which vessels may ride with the greatest safety.

PARALLELES, Fr. Parallel lines in fortification are so called. See Parallels.

PARALLELS, at a siege, the trenches or lines made parallel to the defence of the place besieged: they are also called lines of communication, and boyeaus.

Parallels, or places of arms, are deep trenches 15 or 18 feet wide, joining the several attacks together. They serve to place the guard of the trenches in readiness to support the workmen when attacked. There are usually three in an attack; the first, about 300 toises, or 600 yards, from the covert-way: the 2d and 3d, nearer to the glacis.

PARALLELEPIPED, (Parallelepipede, Fr.) one of the regular bodies of solids, comprehended under six rectangular and parallel surfaces, the opposite ones whereof are equal.

Tirer une Parallele, Fr. verbatim, to draw a parallel. To make a direct communication between one trench and another.

PARALLELISM, the situation or quality whereby any thing is denominated parallel.

PARALLELISM of a march. In order to preserve the parallelism of a march in the movement of troops each battalion must be kept perpendicular to the direction it marches upon, the whole of the several battalions in one straight line, and their several marching directions parallel to each other. The first battalion or line becomes the regulating one, and must be regarded as infallible; and from the moment that its direction is ascertained, the commander of each other, and their directing serjeants, are to consider their movements as subordinate to it, and to conform accordingly. It is the helm which guides the line, and must not change cadence; nor will it increase or diminish its speed, but from unavoidable necessity, and by particular order.

The instant communication of the word march is particularly important, that the advanced guides of the whole may step off together, and thereby maintain their line parallel to the one they quitted, and which becomes the principal guide for their battalions; each preserves its six paces from its advanced guide; this distance is to be kept by, and depends on, the replacing officer next to the color, who covers the directing guide; and if these trained guides do step equally, and in parallel directions to each other, they must be dressed themselves in line, and of consequence the centres of their following battalions.

Parallelism and distance to be observed in the formation and movement of any considerable body of troops. It is laid down as a general maxim, that no considerable body should ever be formed without a proportion of it being placed in reserve or in second line, and more or less according to circumstances. The movements of such second line will always correspond with those of the first, and it will always preserve its parallelism and distance.

If the first line makes a flank or central change of position, the second must make a change also on such point as will bring it into its relative situation.

The march of the second line in front, is regulated by its own division or battalion of direction, which moves relatively to that of the first line. In forming in line it will march upon its own points which are parallel to, and ascertained in consequence of those of the first.

When the lines break into columns to the front, the second will generally follow those of the first. When the march is to the flanks, the second line will compose a separate column, or columns. When the march is to the rear, the second line will lead in columns.

The distance betwixt the lines, may be in general supposed equal to the front of one or two battalions, and an interval.

The second lines are seldom composed of as many battalions as the first: they are often divided into distinct bodies, covering separate parts of the first line, and consequently preserving a relative parallelism and distance.

Second lines should not always remain extended, they may often be formed in column of battalions, or of greater numbers, ready to be moved to any point where their assistance is necessary.

Whenever the first line breaks, and manœuvres by its right to face to the left, or by its left to face to the right: the movements of the second line are free and unembarrassed, and it may turn round the manœuvring flank of the first line, and take its new position behind it, by extending itself parallel to that direction, how oblique soever it may be.

The central movement generally required from the second line to conform to that of the first, is equivalent to that line marching in two columns of platoons, from near the centre obliquely to the front, and from that situation forming to both flanks.

The movements of the central columns being well understood, those of the battalions of the wings, are similar in two lines.

The officer commanding the second line, must always be properly informed of the nature of the change to be made by the first, that he may readily determine his corresponding movements.

It requires much attention to conduct heads of battalion columns of both lines nearly parallel to their lateral ones, and perpendicularly, or diagonally to front or rear, according to the nature of the movement. To determine with precision, and in due time, their points in the new line, that wavering and uncertainty of march may be avoided. In great movements to allow the soldier every facility of motion without increasing the distances of divisions, and to require the most exact attention on entering the new line, and in forming. To avoid obstacles in the course of marching, but as soon as possible to re-enter the proper path of the column, while out of that path, the colors of that battalion column may be lowered, (as a mark for the neighboring column, not to be then entirely regulated by it) and again advanced when it regains its proper situation.

All the battalions of a second line, must at the completion of every change of position, find themselves placed in the same relative situation with respect to the first, as they were in before the commencement of the movement.

All changes of position of a first line are made according to one of the modes already prescribed: in general, in critical situations, they are made on a fixed flank, or central point, and by the echellon march of platoons or echellons of smaller sections than platoons, where ground and other circumstances require it; and the echellons may upon occasion be each marched in file, but keeping its position: but the movements of a second line being protected, more complicated, and embracing more ground, are made by the march of battalion columns regulated by a certain determined division of the line.

In all cases where a change of position is made on a flank or central point of the first line, the movement of its corresponding point of the second line determines the new relative situation of that second line.

Movements Parallel with a line of fire. Movements are said to be parallel with a line of fire, when one or more lines march either in the rear of troops engaged with an enemy, or in face of an enemy, who is advancing to attack. The greatest accuracy and order are required on both occasions, particularly on the latter; for if the second line, which is the line of support, does not preserve its perpendicular direction with respect to every leading point, and its relative parallelism and distance with the line engaged, according to circumstances, it will not only run the risk of becoming useless itself, but will in all probability endanger the line it covers, should any sudden necessity occur for a change of position.

PARALLELOGRAM, (Parallelogramme, Fr.) a plain figure bounded by four right lines, whereof the opposite are parallel one to the other. It likewise means an instrument composed of five rulers of brass or wood, with sliding sockets, to be set to any proportion, for the enlarging or diminishing any map or draught.

PARALYSER, Fr. To paralyse. A term frequently used by the French since the revolution, to express the bad effects of a factious spirit, &c. Un seul factieux quelque fois paralyse toute une administration: one factious man will sometimes render the designs of a whole administration abortive.

PARAMETER. See Gunnery and Projectiles.

PARAPET, in fortification, an elevation of earth, designed for covering the soldiers from the enemy’s cannon, or small shot; its thickness is from 18 to 20 feet; its height 6 on the inside, and 4 or 5 on that side next the country: it is raised on the rampart, and has a slope called the superior talus, or glacis of the parapets, on which the troops lay their arms to fire over. The slope renders it easy for the soldiers to fire into the ditch. It has a banquette or two on the inside for the troops who defend it, to mount upon, for better discovering the country, the ditch, and counterscarp, to fire as they find occasion.

Parapet of the covert-way, is what covers that way from the sight of the enemy; which renders it the most dangerous place for the besiegers, because of the neighborhood of the faces, flanks, and curtains of the place.

PARAPETS en forme de crémaillere, Fr. Parapets which are so constructed within, in the form of a saw, that one of the faces of the redans, or teeth, is perpendicular and the other parallel to the capital. The chevalier Clariac, in his Ingénieur de Campagne, has given a particular account of these parapets. But the merit of having invented them does not entirely rest with him, since the Marquis de la Fond, director of the fortified places upon the coast of French Flanders, and M. de Verville, chief engineer at Rocroi, have likewise mentioned them.

PARASANG, (Parasange, Fr.) an ancient Persian measure, being usually thirty, sometimes forty, and sometimes fifty stadia or furlongs.

PARC d’artillerie, Fr. See Park of Artillery.

Parc, Fr. See Park.

Le Commissaire du Parc, Fr. The commissary belonging to the park.

Le Parc des munitions et des vivres, Fr. The park of stores and provisions.

Parc d’Hôpital. See Hospital.

Parc des vivres ou quartier des vivres, Fr. Park of provisions, which see.

PARCOURIR, Fr. in a military sense, to run over the ground during an action. This word is particularly applicable to those movements which are made by general officers, officers commanding brigades, &c. for the purpose of encouraging their soldiers in the heat of an engagement.

Parcourir de rang en rang, Fr. to run up and down the ranks, or from rank to rank.

PARDON, forgiveness, remission. In military matters this word must be understood in two senses, viz. in a limited one, when it affects a culprit who has been sentenced by a general court-martial, to receive punishment; and in a more extensive one, when the punishment is the consequence of a regimental decision. In the former case, the president only, through the war department, can pardon or remit the punishment; in the latter, the colonel, or commanding officer, has a discretionary power.

PARER, Fr. to parry,

Parer à toutes feintes, Fr. To parry to all feints.

PARK of artillery, should always be placed if possible within a short distance of water carriage; and have the most ready communication with every part of the line of the army. Its form must depend on its situation. Ten feet are usually allowed in front for one carriage and its interval, and near 50 feet from the hind wheels of the front row to the fore wheels of the second; this interval should allow sufficient room for putting the horses to the carriages, and for a free passage along the line. In parks not on immediate service, it is customary to arrange the guns with their muzzles to the front; but where the guns are likely to be wanted at a short notice, appearances must not be studied, and the gun carriages must be parked with their shafts to the front, ready to receive horses to them. A quarter guard is placed in front of the park, and the non-commissioned officers and gunners’ tents on the flanks, at about 20 paces distance; and 40 paces to the rear of the subaltern officers; at 10 more to the rear the captains, and 10 more the commanding officer. The mess tent is 15 in the rear of the officers. At a convenient distance, in the rear of the whole, are the horses, picketed in one or more lines, with the drivers on their flanks. The horses are sometimes picketed in lines perpendicular to the front, and on the flanks of the carriages, between the men and the carriages. See Camp and Artillery in the Field. Am. Mil. Lib.

Park of provisions, a place in a camp, on the rear of every regiment, which is taken up by the sutlers who follow the army with all sorts of provisions, and sell them to the soldiers.

PARLEMENTER, Fr. to parley. The French familiarly say, Ville qui parlemente est à demi rendue; a town whose governor parlies may be said to be half given up.

PARLEY, oral treaty, talk, conference, discussion by word of mouth.

To Parley, in military matters, to enter into conference with your enemy. This is done by means of a flag of truce. See Truce.

To beat a Parley, is to give a signal for holding such a conference, by beat of drum, or sound of trumpet. See Chamade.

PAROLE, in a military sense, the promise made by a prisoner of war, when he has leave to go any where, of returning at a time appointed, or not to take up arms, if not exchanged.

Parole, means also a word given out every day in orders by the commanding officer, both in camp and garrison, in order to know friends from enemies.

PARQUER, Fr. This word, which signifies to lodge and place any thing in a convenient and safe manner, is used by the French both in an active and passive sense.

On Parquera l’artillerie, ou l’artillerie fut parquée en tel endroit, Fr. you will park the artillery in such a quarter, or the artillery will be parked in such a quarter.

Les gens de l’artillerie se parquérent, ou furent parqués, du côté de la rivière, Fr. The train of artillery parked itself on the banks of the river, or was parked upon the banks of the river.

L’artillerie parquoit en tel lieu, Fr. The artillery parked on such ground.

PARRAIN, Fr. means, literally, a godfather. In a military sense, it formerly signified a second or witness who attended at single combats to see fair play. Les combattants se trouvérent dans le lieu du combat, chacun avec son parrain. The combattants met upon the ground, each attended by his second or witness.

Parrain, Fr. in military orders, the person who introduces, or presents a newly elected knight. The term is also used to signify the comrade who is selected by a soldier that has been condemned to be shot, to bind the handkerchief over his eyes.

PARRYING, the action of warding off the push or blow aimed at one by another.

Etre à la Part, Fr. a marine term among the French, signifying, to share in the prizes which are made against an enemy.

PARTHENIÆ,a word derived from the Greek, signifying virginity. In military history it refers to a particular circumstance which occurred among the ancients. The Spartans having been at war with the Messenians for 20 years, and having by that means very much depopulated their country, and apprehending that if this war continued, it might eventually strip Sparta of all its male inhabitants, they sent some of their young men from the army into the city, with licence to be familiar with as many unmarried women as they would; and the children begotten by them in this manner were called Partheniæ, on account of the uncertainty who were their fathers. At the end of the war this brood were deemed bastards, and were denied the bearing of any office in the government, &c. This unjust exclusion enraged them so much, that they conspired with the slaves to destroy all the nobility; but on the discovery of their plot, they were driven out of the city. After which, being headed by Phalantus, a bold and enterprising son of chance, they travelled into Magna Grecia in Italy, and built Tarentum.—Bailey’s Dict.

PARTI, Fr. See Party.

Parti-Bleü, Fr. any party of armed men who infest a country, and have no regular permission to act offensively.

Prendre le Parti, Fr. to take a part.

Prendre son Parti, Fr. to come to a determination.

Prendre son Parti dans les troupes, Fr. To list in a regiment.

Tirer Parti, Fr. to take advantage.

Ne point prendre de Parti, Fr. to remain neuter, or not to take any part.

Esprit de Parti, Fr. party spirit.

Se declarer d’un Parti, Fr. openly to avow some particular party. The French say figuratively, Il faut être toujours du parti de la verité; we should always side with truth.

Parti, likewise signifies profession or employment, viz. Le parti de l’èpée, le parti des armes; the military profession.

Prendre Parti dans l’épée, Fr. to embrace a military life.

PARTIALITY. Unequal state of the judgment, and favor of one above the other, without just reason. If any member of a general court-martial expresses a previous judgment, in partiality either to the prisoner or prosecutor, before he is sworn, it is to be deemed a good cause of challenge; and he should not be allowed to sit in judgment on the case.

PARTISAN, has been applied to a halberd or pike, and to a marshal’s staff. See Baton.

PARTISAN, in the art of war, a person dexterous in commanding a party; who, knowing the country well, is employed in getting intelligence, or surprising the enemy’s convoy, &c. The word also means an officer sent out upon a party, with the command of a body of light troops, generally under the appellation of a partisan corps. It is necessary that this corps should be composed of infantry, light-horse, and riflemen.

PARTY, in a military sense, a small number or detachment of men, horse, or foot, sent upon any kind of duty; as into an enemy’s country, to pillage, to take prisoners, and oblige the country to come under contribution. Parties are often sent out to view the roads and ways, get intelligence, seek forage, reconnoitre, or amuse the enemy upon a march; they are also frequently sent upon the flanks of an army, or regiment, to discover the enemy, if near, and prevent surprise or ambuscade.

Parties escorting deserters in the British service receive the following allowances, being the same as have been granted to those of other forces, in consideration of the unavoidable extraordinary wear of their clothing and necessaries on that duty, viz.

Distances from quarters. For each man

£. s. d.

Between 8 and 20 miles 0 1 0

20 50 0 2 0

50 100 0 4 0

100 150 0 5 0

150 200 0 6 0

Above 200 0 7 6

In the like proportion, allowances are to be made for parties of four, five, and six men, but no higher. This is however to be understood as a regulation of allowance merely, it not being the intention of government thereby to restrain any commanding officer from employing larger parties on the escort duty, if he should think proper, but that whatever may be the actual number of the parties, the allowances are to be in the proportion of

Three men for an escort of from 5 to 8 deserters

Four ———— from 9 to 12

Five ———— from 13 to 16

Six ———— from 17 to 20

Exact returns of the said duty, as performed by each corps, are to be made up, agreeable to a form annexed, as soon as may be after every 24th of June and 24th of December, for the half years immediately preceding, and are to be transmitted to the office of the secretary at war, in order that the allowances thereon may be settled and directed.

Watering PARTY. See Watering.

Firing PARTY, those who are selected to fire over the grave of any one interred with military honors, if below the rank of brigadier-general; for the specific number of which the party is to consist, &c.—See Burials.

Working Parties. These consist of small detachments of men under the immediate command and superintendance of officers who are employed on fatigues which are not purely of a military nature. They are generally called fatigue duties, being different from those of parade, or of exercise in the field. They principally consist in digging canals, repairing roads, working on fortifications, except such as may be constructed in the field, or upon actual service. An addition is made to their pay, as a reward for their labor, and a compensation for their extraordinary wear of necessaries: half of which should always be paid into the hands of the captains, and commanding officers of companies, for this latter purpose. It has been judiciously observed in a note to the treatise on Military Finance, that British troops might in time of peace, be employed much oftener than they are on works of this nature, with equal advantage to the public and to themselves. This remark becomes more forcibly apposite since the adoption of canals through the country.

PAS, Fr. Pace. A measure in fortification. The French divide their pas, or pace, into two kinds—pas commun, or ordinary pace, and pas geometrique, or geometrical pace. The ordinary pace consists of two feet; and the geometrical pace contains five royal feet, or five pieds du roi. The itinerary distance which the Italians call a mile, consists of one thousand geometrical paces; and three miles make a French league.

Pas oblique, Fr. Oblique step, now exploded.

Pas ordinaire, Fr. Ordinary time.

Pas ordinaire direct, Fr. Front step in ordinary time.

Pas precipite, Fr. Double quick time.

Pas de charge, Fr. Charging time.

Pas cadencé, Fr. Cadenced step.

Doubler le Pas, Fr. to double your step or pace: to go faster.

Forcer le Pas, Fr. to make a forced march.

Pas alongé, Fr. a lengthened step.

Alonger le Pas, Fr. to step out.

Diminuer le Pas, Fr. To step short.

Hâter le Pas, Fr. to slacken your pace; to go slower.

Marcher à grands Pas, Fr. To move rapidly.

Marcher à petits Pas, Fr. to step short, or move leisurely.

Retourner sur ses Pas, Fr. To go back.

Avoir le Pas, Fr. To have the precedency.

Pas de souris, Fr. Degrees or steps which are made in different parts of the circumference of the counterscarp. They serve to keep up a communication between works when the ditch is dry, and are generally made in the rentrant angles of the counterscarp, and in the rentrant angles of the outworks. There are likewise steps or degrees of this sort at some distance from the glacis.

Pas, Fr. Any strait or channel of water between two separate lands.

Pas de Calais, Fr. The straits between Calais and Dover.

Pas, likewise signifies any narrow pass. Le pas des Thermopyles. The pass of Thermopylæ.

Defendre le Pas, Fr. To defend the pass or strait.

Francher le Pas, Fr. To determine upon a thing after some hesitation.

Pas d’ane, Fr. A sword-guard, which covers the whole hand, or basket hilt. Une garde à pas d’ane.

Pas d’ane, Fr. This word likewise means a curb or snaffle.

PASS, in a military sense, a strait, difficult, and narrow passage, which shuts up the entrance into a country.

PASS, a voucher for the absence of a non-commissioned officer or soldier, in the following form:

By ———— commanding the —— regiment of U. S. Infantry, stationed at ————.

Permit the bearer hereof ———— in ———— company of the abovementioned regiment, to pass from hence to ———— and to return to quarters at or before —— o’clock.

Given under my hand at ———— this —— day of —— .

To all whom it may concern.

PASS, PASSADO, in fencing, a push or thrust upon your adversary.

Pass, (passade, Fr.) in fencing, a leap or advance upon the enemy.

To Pass, to march by open order of columns, for the purpose of saluting a reviewing general. Each division or company (on its march) will open its ranks at 20 paces distance from the general, and again close them, after it has passed 15 paces. The whole march in slow time, till the leading division arrives at the spot where the left of the battalion originally stood. The commanding officer then halts the regiment, the music ceases to play, and the different divisions with supported arms march in quick time until they have completed the third wheel from the ground of original formation; when arms are ordered to be carried, the music plays, and as each division completes the third wheel, the officers shift to the right, and the whole pass the general.

Pass of arms. In ancient chivalry, a bridge, road, &c. which the knights undertook to defend, and which was not to be passed without fighting the person who kept it. He, who was disposed to dispute the pass, touched one of the armories of the other knight who held the pass, that were hung on pales, columns, &c. erected for the purpose; and this was a challenge which the other was obliged to accept. The vanquished gave the conqueror such prize as was agreed on.

Pass-parole, a command or word which is given out at the head of an army, and from thence passed from mouth to mouth, till it reach the rear.

Pass-port, a letter of licence which is given by a government, granting safe conduct to travel, enter, and go out of its territories without molestation; this is properly given to friends and neutral persons; and the safe conduct to enemies.

PASS, All’s Well, a term used by a British sentry after he has challenged a person that comes near his post, and has given him the proper parole, watchword, or countersign. See Rounds.

PASSADE, Fr. See Pass.

Passade, in the manege, is a horse’s walking or trotting in such a manner, that he raises the outward hind-leg and the inward fore-leg together; and, setting these two on the ground, raises the other two alternately, never gaining above a foot of ground at a time.

Demander la Passade, Fr. This term is used among the French to express the act of soliciting charity out of the usual way of persons begging, or who have not been accustomed to ask alms. Donner la passade a un pauvre soldat; to give alms to a poor soldier. Il y avoit sur le chemin beaucoup de soldats qui demandoient la passade; there were many soldiers on the road who asked charity.

PASSAGE, (passage, Fr.) This word, as to its general import, does not require explanation. It is familiar to everybody. In a military sense it may be variously understood for passages made over rivers or through defiles, which should always be secured when an army is on its march. Dragoons or light cavalry are generally employed upon this service, being, by the celerity of their motions, better calculated to get the start of an enemy. Passes through mountainous countries, and passages over rivers, may likewise be secured by means of light field pieces and flying artillery. The latter are particularly calculated for defiles. Intrenching tools, &c. must be carried with them.

If it be found expedient to cross a river, a sufficient number of pontoons, must accompany the detachment. Should the river be fordable, and a body of infantry have been brought up in time to act with the cavalry, the former must instantly make good its footing on the opposite side, carrying intrenching tools, &c. for the purpose of fortifying the tête du pont, and thereby securing the passage of the river. Rivers are crossed either by surprise, or by main force.

When the passage is to be effected by surprise, such movements and feints must be resorted to, as may induce the enemy to direct his means of opposition to a distant quarter from the one you have in contemplation. Every precaution must be taken to prevent him from getting the least intelligence respecting your boats of pontoons; and on this account you must frequently countermarch different bodies of troops to divert his attention. When the passage is to be effected by main force, you must take such a position as will enable you to command the one occupied by the enemy, and you must select that part of the river where there are small islands or creeks, under cover of which the boats and barges may ply.

Those spots upon the banks of a river are best calculated for this enterprise, where the stream forms a rentrant angle, because it is more easy, in cases of that sort, to plant your batteries in such a manner as to afford a cross fire against the opposite bank. The instant you have dislodged the enemy, by means of a superior force of artillery (which you must always provide for the purpose in question) a strong detachment composed of grenadiers, and other chosen troops, must cross in boats or barges, in order to stand the first shock of the enemy, under a well supported fire of artillery.

When this detachment has made good its footing, the boats or barges must instantly row back for fresh troops, whilst the pioneers, artificers, and workmen, who accompanied the grenadiers, throw up temporary redoubts, and are protected by the fire of the troops that have landed. As soon as the works are sufficiently advanced, and an adequate number of men has been distributed in them to secure the post, the bridge must be undertaken. Its head or tete must be made as strong as possible, to keep the enemy in check should he return, and endeavor to dislodge the advanced guard.

The main body must be put in motion shortly after the departure of the first detachment, in order to support the latter, should the enemy succeed in making a bold push to defeat it, and thereby prevent the numberless disadvantages which must ensue, if the army were permitted to cross the river, or to pass the defile without opposition.

When the passage of a large river can be happily effected by means of a bridge, considerable advantages may be derived from it; most especially when the army is thereby enabled to reach a defile or pass, the possession of which enables a general to distribute his troops in desultory quarters. Marshal Turenne, in his famous passage over the Wesel in 1672, has afforded us a strong instance of this advantage. Marshal Saxe has written largely upon this important operation; and every general officer ought to be thoroughly versed in the ways and means of executing it under all the various circumstances that occur in the locality of ground, the peculiar nature of rivers, and the possible resources of an enemy, that is determined to dispute his passage. But the most memorable of all that is recorded in history are the passages of the Danube below Vienna, in 1809, which merit the study of every military man.

Soldiers should be frequently practised in the different evolutions which are required to pass a bridge in a safe and military manner. Bridges, defiles, &c. being obstacles that retard the movements of an army, whose object is to advance, we refer our readers for a full elucidation of the subject, under the article Obstacle.

Passage, Fr.. a term which relates to the reception of a knight, in the order of Malta.

Passage of bridges or defiles when a battalion or line stands on narrow ground.

A battalion, standing in narrow ground, may sometimes be ordered to march in file for the purpose of forming open column; and passing a defile, either before or behind that flank, before or behind the other flank, or before or behind any central point of that line.

Received Rules.

1. If before the right flank—The right platoon will move on, the rest of the battalion will face to the right, and march in file, the divisions will successively front and follow the leading one, and each other.

2. If behind the right flank—The whole face to the right and march, the right division instantly countermarches to the rear, fronts, and moves forward, followed in the same manner by every other division, till the whole is in column.

But the following method of passing in open column, would save a great deal of time which is unnecessarily lost by countermarching each division separately, as they successively arrive on the ground where the right division stood before it marched off to the rear.

1st. Countermarch the whole of the divisions at the same time, and on the same ground which they severally occupy in the line.

2d. Face the whole (except the right division) to the left, which moves forward on the word march from the chief. The divisions as they successively arrive on the ground from which the first division marched, will halt and front, follow the leading one and each other, till the whole are in column.

Received Rules.

3. If before any central point, or the left flank—The battalion makes a successive countermarch from the right flank towards the left, and when the right division arrives at the point from whence it is to advance, it again countermarches to its right, a space equal to its front, then faces and moves on, and is thus successively followed by part of the battalion. The other part of the battalion beyond the point of advancing, faces inwards, when necessary, makes a progressive march in file, then fronts, and follows by divisions as it comes to the turn of each, till the whole are in column.

A different Method.

Instead of passing according to the above method, much time may be gained, by the divisions on the right of the defile facing to the left, (commencing with the right division) march in file till opposite, and in full front of the division which is opposite the defile, or where the column is to advance from, then front, march forward, followed by the other divisions; the divisions on the left of the defile will face inwards, and when necessary, make a progressive march in file, followed as before, till the whole are in column.

Received Rule.

4. If behind the centre or the left flank.—The right part of the battalion countermarches from the right by files successively by the rear; and the other part of the battalion, as is necessary, makes a progressive march by files from its right to the central point, and there begins to countermarch at that point, the leading and each other division, fronts into column, and moves on.

A different Method.

To avoid loss of time in countermarching the divisions on the left as they successively arrive at the point they march from. Countermarch those divisions first on the ground they severally stand on, then face to the left; and when it comes to their turn march in file, front, and following in column, as they progressively and successively arrive opposite the point where the right division entered the defile.

It must be observed that in all countermarches of divisions on the ground they severally stand on, when passing to the rear, the division which stands opposite the point from which they are to march, must countermarch at the same time with the other divisions. See Am. Mil. Lib.

PASSAGE of Lines. In narrow grounds, where there are redoubled lines, and in many other situations, it becomes necessary for one battalion to pass directly through another, in marching either to front or rear. This must particularly happen, when a first line, which has suffered in action, retires through, and makes place for a second line which has come forward to support it; or, the second line remaining posted, when the first falls back, and retires through it, and thus alternately, till a safe position is attained.

PASSAGE of the Traverse, an opening out in the parapet of the covert-way, close to the traverses, that there may be a ready communication with all parts of the covert-way.

Passage, in the manege, an action wherein the horse raises a hind and fore leg together; then setting these two on the ground, he raises the other two: and thus alternately, never gaining above a foot of ground at a time.

Passage, Fr.. to passage, a term used in the manege.

Passager un cheval, Fr. to make a horse passage. It is likewise used as a neutral verb, viz. un cheval passage, a horse passages.

PASSANDEAU, Fr.. an ancient piece of ordnance, which carried an eight pound ball, and weighed three thousand five hundred pounds.

Chemin PASSANT, Fr.. a thoroughfare.

PASSAVANT, Fr.. a pass. This term is not used in a military sense, but relates chiefly to commercial matters.

PASSE, Fr.. See Pass.

PASSES-Balles, Fr. boards or machines made of iron or brass, used in disparting cannon, and fitted to every species of calibre.

PASSE-Mur, Fr. a piece of ordnance formerly so called, which carried a sixteen pound ball, and weighed four thousand two hundred pounds.

Passe-par-tout, Fr. a large saw, the teeth of which are irregularly made, for the purpose of cutting forest trees asunder.

Passe-par-tout, Fr. a master key.

Passe-vogue, Fr. Any extraordinary effort that is made in rowing is so called.

Passe-Parole, Fr. This expression is used among the French in an absolute sense, and signifies to give the parole, order, or countersign. When troops are on service, or upon duty, they have frequent occasion to adopt it, especially during the rounds. Avance passe-parole. Advance, and give the parole or countersign.

Passe-Volant, Fr. any man that is not really in the service, and who stands to be mustered for the purpose of completing the supposed number of effectives in a regiment, or on board a ship of war. They are likewise called soldats prêtés, Borrowed soldiers. During the existence of the old French government, the strictest regulations were made to prevent the gross impositions that were sometimes practised by means of passe-volans or faggots.

Passe-Volans likewise means those wooden pieces of ordnance which are made to resemble real artillery, and fill up the vacant places in a ship. They were first adopted by the French, in consequence of a regulation which was made by M. de Pontchartrain, when he became minister of the marine department. He gave orders, that no vessels, except such as carried 16 guns, should sail to and from America. In order to comply, at least in outward appearance, with this regulation, the merchants had recourse to pass-volans, or wooden substitutes, they are called by us quaker guns. More advantages than one are indeed derived from this invention, which has been adopted in every civilized country.

Passe-chevaux, Fr. ferry for horses.

PASSER, Fr. to pass. This word has various significations both in French and English, but chiefly in the former language.

Passer en revue, Fr. to muster.

Passer à compte, Fr. to allow in reckoning.

Passer au fil de l’épée, Fr. to put to the sword.

Passer par les baguettes, Fr. to run the gauntlet.

Passer par les armes, Fr. to be shot.

Passer à la montre, Fr. to pass muster.

Passer par la main du bourreau, Fr. to be flogged, or otherwise punished, by the public hangman.

Passer la riviére, passer la ligne, Fr. to cross the river, to cross the line.

Passer par les courroies, Fr. to be picketed.

Passer un homme à un officier, Fr. to allow an officer the pay and subsistence of a private soldier for the maintenance of a servant. The term is also used to express the receipt of any public allowance for sinecure places.

Passer sur le ventre à une armée, Fr. to defeat an army.

PASSEUR, Fr. a ferryman.

PATACHE, Fr. This word sometimes means an advice boat; but it more generally signifies an armed tender, or a revenue cutter.

PATE, Fr. in fortification, a sort of horse-shoe, that is, a platform, or terre-pleine, irregularly built, yet generally constructed in an oval form. It is surrounded by a parapet, without any thing to flank it, and having no other defence than what is front or fore-right. Pates are usually erected in marshy grounds to cover the gate of a fortified town or place.

PATERERO, a small cannon managed by a swivel.

PATIENCE, the power or faculty of suffering; indurance; the power of expecting long, without rage or discontent; the power of supporting faults or injuries, without revenge; long suffering. In military life patience is an essential requisite. Without patience half the toils of war would be insupportable; with patience there are scarcely any hardships but what coolness, courage, and ability may overcome. It is one of the greatest virtues, indeed, in an officer or soldier patiently to support, not only the rigor of discipline, but the keen and vexatious circumstances of disappointment. Rousseau says, La patience est amêre, mais son fruit est doux. Patience is a bitter root, but its fruit is sweet.

PATOMAR, Ind. a two mast vessel: each mast carries one sail of four unequal sides. It likewise means a messenger.

PATRICIAN, from the Latin Patricius, one descended from a noble family. The term was used among the Romans, to distinguish the higher class of the inhabitants of Rome from the lower, who were called plebeians. Romulus, as soon as the city of Rome was tolerably well filled with inhabitants, made a distinction of the people. The names Peter, Patrick, are from pater a father; the Roman senate were called Patres conscripti. See Patron.

Order of St. PATRICK. There is only one order of knighthood which belongs to Ireland; it is that of St. Patrick, and was created by Geo. III. for corrupt purposes.

PATRIOT, a sincere and unbiassed friend to his country; an advocate for general civilization, uniting, in his conduct through life, moral rectitude with political integrity. Such a character is seldom found in any country; but the specious appearance of it is to be seen every where, most especially in Europe. It is difficult to say, how far the term can be used in a military sense, although it is not uncommon to read of a citizen soldier, and a patriot soldier. Individually considered the term may be just, but it is hardly to be understood collectively.

PATROL, any party or round of soldiers, to the number of five or six, with a serjeant to command them. These men are detached from the main guard, picquet, or quarter-guard, according to circumstances, to walk round the streets of a garrison town, &c. for the purpose of taking up disorderly persons, or such as cannot give an account of themselves. It is their duty to see, that the soldiers and inhabitants of the place repair to their quarters and dwelling-houses, (in conformity to specific directions which are given out to that effect) and that alehouses and sutlers’ booths are shut up at a seasonable hour. They are likewise to take up every person they meet without a light, and that cannot give the watchword or countersign when he is challenged. All such persons must be conducted to the guard-house, and a report made of them to the commandant or governor of the place, by the town-major.

Patroles are formed out of the infantry as well as the cavalry. When a weak place is besieged, and there is reason to apprehend an assault, strong patroles are ordered to do duty; these on foot keep a good look out from the ramparts, and those that are mounted take care of the outworks.

PATRON, one who countenances, supports, or protects. Every superior officer, from the commander in chief to the lowest non-commissioned officer, may, in a military sense, be called a patron; for it is the duty of all persons, in authority, to countenance, support, and protect every executive member in the service. Partialities on the other hand, (whatever may be their sources) are the bane of order and good discipline. In proportion as merit finds patrons among the good and great, indolence and inability should be discountenanced and degraded.

Kennett in his Roman Antiquities, page 97, has the following passage, on the origin of the word:—

Romulus, as soon as his city was tolerably well filled with inhabitants, made a distinction of the people according to honor and quality; giving the better sort the name of Patres or Patricii, and the rest the common title of Plebeii. To bind the two degrees more firmly together, he recommended to the patricians some of the plebians, to protect and countenance; the former being stiled Patroni, and the latter Clientes. The patrons were always their clients’ counsellors in difficult cases; their advocates in judgments; in short, their advisers and overseers in all affairs whatever. On the other side, the clients faithfully served their patrons, not only paying them all imaginable respect and deference, but if occasion required, assisting them with money towards the defraying of any extraordinary charges. But afterwards when the state grew rich and great, though all other good offices continued between them, yet it was thought a dishonorable thing for the better sort to take any money of their inferiors. (Vide Dionys. lib. 2, Liv. lib. 1. Plutarch in Romulo.) Hence the origin of patrons. But the case is altered in modern times with respect to pecuniary interest. Gold, or something more solid in the sale of liberty and good sense, buys a patron now.

PATRON, Fr. Among the French the captain of a trading vessel is so named. There were likewise sea-faring men called officiers mariniers, who served on board the French ships of war, and who were entrusted with the management of sloops and barges. These were generally called patrons.

PATRONS, (Galére patrons, Fr.) The galley which was second in rank at Marseilles, was so called. It was commanded by the lieutenant-general of the gallies, who took precedence in that line in the same manner that the vice-admiral of the French fleet did among ships of war.

PATROUILLE. See Patrol.

PATTE, Fr. a term used in mining. When a well or excavation is made in loose or crumbling earth, and it becomes necessary to frame it in, the rafters must be laid horizontally to support the boards in proportion as the workmen gain depth. The ends of the rafters that are first laid, run ten or twelve inches beyond the borders of the well, for the purpose of sustaining the platform. These supports are called Oreilles; consequently, that every subsequent frame may be supported, the second is attached or made firm to the first by means of the ends of boards which are nailed together. In this manner the third is joined to the second, and the fourth to the third. These ends are called pattes or handles.

PATTE d’Oie, Fr. a term used in mining to describe three small branches which are practised, or run out at the extremity of a gallery. They are so called from their resemblance to the foot of a goose.

PATTERN, a part shewn as a sample for the rest. In a late regulation relative to the inspection of the clothing of the British army in general, it is particularly directed, that regular inspectors, or the inspectors for the time being, do view and compare with the sealed patterns the clothing of the several regiments of cavalry and infantry, as soon as the same shall have been prepared by the respective clothiers; and if the clothing appear to be conformable to the sealed patterns, the said inspectors are to grant two certificates of their view and approval thereof, one of which certificates is to be delivered to the clothier, to be sent with the clothing to the head quarters of the corps; and the other to be lodged with the clothing board, as the necessary voucher for passing the assignment of the allowance for the said clothing.

A Pattern Regiment, a phrase of distinction, which is applied to a corps of officers and soldiers, who are remarkable for their observance of good order and discipline.

PATURE, Fr. See Forage.

Patureur, Fr. Forager, one who goes on a foraging party.

PAVALUNGE, Ind. the name of a year.

PAUDSHAU, Ind. King.

PAVESSADES, Fr. large portable hurdles, behind which the archers and bowmen were formerly posted. According to Froissart, these hurdles were used long before the reign of Philip Augustus, king of France. Father Daniel, the Jesuit, in his Histoire de la Milice Francoise, describes them as bearing the figure of a shield; but the chevalier Folard, in his Commentaire sur Polybe, informs us, that they were mantlets which were disposed in parallel or oblique lines, from the camp to the nearest works belonging to the Corps de Place, behind which the soldiers and artificers, &c. could in safety, make a small fosse or ditch that was sufficiently deep to preserve them strait and firm. Hurdles, constructed in this manner, were used during the operations of a regular siege; but when it was found expedient to insult a place, those of less dimension were adopted. Father Daniel describes the Retranchment Portatif, which was used many centuries before the days of Philip Augustus, under the latter head.

PAVILION, in military affairs. See Tent.

PAVILLON, Fr. See Tent.

Pavillon, Fr. Flag, standard, or colors.

Vaisser le PAVILLON, Fr. to strike, to yield.

Vaisseau Pavillon, Fr. Flag ship.

Pavillon, Fr. This word likewise signifies the swell or broad part of a speaking trumpet.

PAULETTE, Fr. a certain tax or pecuniary consideration which all persons who held public situations under the old government of France, were obliged to pay at the commencement of every year, to the king. This enabled them to sell or dispose of their appointments, and to leave the amount to their heirs, if they happened to die in the course of the year. It is so called from Paulet, the name of the person who first suggested the measure.

PAVOIS, Fr. an ancient weapon of defence. It was the Clypeus or broad shield of the Greeks and Romans.

PAUSE, a stop, cessation, or intermission. It is essentially necessary for all officers to accustom themselves to a most minute observance of the several pauses which are prescribed during the firings. Accordingly the pause betwixt each of the firing words, make ready—aim,—fire, is the same as the ordinary time, viz. the 75th part of a minute, and no other pause is to be made betwixt the words.

In firing by companies by wings, each wing carries on its fire independent, without regard to the other wing, whether it fires from the centre to the flanks, or from the flanks to the centre. If there are five companies in the wing, two pauses will be made betwixt the fire of each, and the make ready of the succeeding one. If there are four companies in the wing, three pauses will be made betwixt the fire of each, and the make ready of the succeeding one. This will allow sufficient time for the first company to have again loaded, and shouldered at the time the last company fires, and will establish proper intervals betwixt each.

In firing by grand divisions, three pauses will be made betwixt the fire of each division, and the make ready of the succeeding one.

In firing by wings, one wing will make ready the instant the other is shouldering. The commanding officer of the battalion fires the wings.

In firing companies by files each company fires independent. When the right file presents, the next makes ready, and so on. After the first fire, each man as he loads comes to the recover, and the file again fires without waiting for any other; the rear rank men are to have their eyes on their front rank-men, and be guided by, and present with them.

When troops march to music, a pause in the mind before the latter strikes off, will contribute greatly to that uniformity of step, without which no line can move correctly. In some regiments the music does not play until one step has been taken. See Step off.

PAY, or pay of the army, is the stipend or salary allowed for each individual serving in the army; first established by the British government in the year 1660.

FULL PAY Of the Officers, Non-commissioned Officers, and Privates in the British army.

Rank. Life Guards. Cavalry. Foot Guards. Infantry of the line. Artillery.

Horse. Foot.

£. s. d. £. s. d. £. s. d. £. s. d. £. s. d. £. s. d.

Colonel 1 16 — 1 12 10 1 19 — 1 2 6 — 2 3 6

Colonel en Second — — — — 1 9 8 1 3 9

1st. Lieut. Colonel 1 11 — 1 3 — 1 8 6 0 15 11 1 5 8 — 19 9

2d. Lieut. Colonel — — — 0 15 11 — — 16 10

1st. Major 1 6 — — 19 3 1 4 — - 0 14 1 - 1 — 9 — 14 10

2d. Major — — — — —

Captain — 16 — — 14 7 — 16 6 0 9 5 — 15 4 — 9 11

Captain Lieutenant - 0 11 — — 9 — — 7 10 0 5 8 - 0 10 — — 7 —

1st. Lieutenant 0 9 — — 6 —

2d. Lieutenant — — — — — 8 — — 5 —

Cornets — 8 6 — 8 — — — — —

Ensigns — — — 5 10 — 4 8 — —

Pay-Master — — 15 — — — 15 — — —

Quarter-Master — 6 — 5 6 — 5 8 — 5 8 — 6 — — 6 —

Adjutant — 11 — — 5 — — — 5 — — 5 — — 5 —

Surgeon — 12 — — 12 — — 12 — — 9 5 — 11 10 — 9 11

Assistant Surgeon — — 5 — — 7 6 — 5 — — 6 — — 5 —

Veterinary do. — — 8 — — — — —

Serjeant-Major — — — — — 3 4 — 3 2

Quarter-Master do. — — — — — 2 10 —

Serjeant — — 2 — — 1 10 ³⁄₄ — 1 6 ³⁄₄ — 2 4 — 2 2

Corporal — 2 6 ¹⁄₄ — 1 7 ¹⁄₄ — 1 4 ³⁄₄ — 1 2 ¹⁄₄ — 2 2 ¹⁄₄ — 2 ¹⁄₄

Bombardier — — — — — 2 ¹⁄₄ — 1 10 ¹⁄₄

1st. Gunner — — — — — — 1 7

2d. Gunner — — — — — 1 5 ¹⁄₄ — 1 3 ¹⁄₄

Private — 1 11 ¹⁄₄ — 1 3 — 1 1 — 1 — — —

Farrier and Smith — — — — — 3 4 ³⁄₄ —

Collar Maker - — — — — — 2 ³⁄₄ —

Wheeler

Trumpeter - — 2 6 — 1 7 — 1 2 ¹⁄₄ — 1 1 ¹⁄₄ — 2 1 ³⁄₄ — 1 3 ¹⁄₄

Drummer

Full PAY. The pecuniary allowance which is made to officers and non-commissioned officers, without any deduction whatsoever. Since the abolition of arrears in the British service, which took place in 1797, commissioned and warrant officers, &c. receive their full pay, or daily subsistence. The private soldiers are subject to temporary deductions, for the purpose of appropriating part of their pay and allowances to the expence of their messes, including vegetables, &c. and to a stoppage not exceeding 1s. 6d. per week, for necessaries; which stoppage is to be accounted for monthly, as stated in their regulations of 1st September, 1795, and the remainder being 1s. 6d. must be paid, weekly to each soldier, subject to the accustomed deduction for washing, and for articles to clean his clothing and appointments.

The full pay of the British army is given in advance on the 25th of every month, and accounted for to government by the several district and regimental paymasters, through army agents appointed for that purpose. For further particulars, see Military Finance, page 48, &c. Non-commissioned officers and private soldiers serving as marines, are not liable to any deduction whatsoever from their full pay, on account of provisions. It will be further observed, that although the British army is now paid its full pay, in consequence of the abolition of the distinction between subsistence and arrears, that pay is nevertheless subject to the usual deductions on account of poundage, hospital, and agency. This will explain the mutilated appearance of the different rates of pay. Thus a captain of infantry, who is nominally supposed to receive 10s. per diem, gets only 9s. 5d. the 7d. going for the above deductions. The full pay of the subaltern officers has been very judiciously increased, but that of the captains, &c. remains as it was in the reign of Queen Anne. For the several rates of full pay, see Military Finance, page 66, &c.

Half Pay, (Demi solde, Fr.) a compensation or retaining fee which is given to officers who have retired from the service through age, inability, &c. or who have been placed upon that list in consequence of a general reduction of the forces, or a partial drafting, &c. of the particular corps to which they belonged. The half pay becomes due on the 25th of June, and on the 25th of December in each year, but it is seldom issued until three months after the expiration of each of those periods. The only deduction from the half pay is the poundage, two and an half per cent. See Military Finance, page 113.

Irish HALF-PAY. Every officer upon the Irish establishment, when reduced to half pay, must swear to, and sign the following certificate:

County of -

———-——— of foot, came this day before me, and made oath, that he is no otherwise provided for by any commission or employment, civil or military, in his majesty’s service, than by half pay on the establishment of Ireland, and is on no other establishment of half pay.

Officer’s - Sworn before me this

Name. day of

N. B. To be sworn in January, April, July, and October, in every year.

PAY-MASTER, is he who is intrusted with the money, and has the charge of paying the regiment. He has no other commission in the line. His pay is 15s. per day.

District Pay-Master, an officer appointed for the better management of the interior concerns of the army, when the corps are detached in garrisons on duty, in several districts.

Pay-Bills. in the British army these bills are distinguished according to the nature of the service for which they are given. Every captain of a troop or company receives a regular weekly account from his Serjeant, of money to be advanced for the effectives of such troop or company; and on the 24th day in each month he makes out a monthly one for the paymaster, who makes out a general abstract for the agent. The paymaster-general’s estimate is likewise called the pay bill.

Pay-Lists. The monthly accounts, which are transmitted by the several regimental and district paymasters to their agents on the 25th of each month, are so termed.

Pay-Rolls, the same as pay-lists.

Pay-Serjeant. See Serjeant.

PAYE, Fr. the pay of the troops.

PAYEN-Ghaut, Ind. the lower mountain Ghaut is the general term for mountain.

PAYS, Fr. This word is variously applied by the French in a figurative sense: Parler, ou juger a vue de Pays. To speak or decide at random.

Gagner Pays, (vuider le pays, Fr.) To leave a country. To go voluntarily into exile. Gagner pays likewise means to gain ground. Avancer pays may be used in the same sense.

Battre-Pays, Fr. to speak wide of the subject.

Tirer-Pays, Fr. a familiar phrase among the French, signifying to escape.

Pays, Fr. country, locality, ground.

Pays-conquis, Fr. This term was applied by the French to those countries and tracts of territory which had been ceded to France by treaty; as Lorraine; or had been conquered by force of arms; as Ypres, Tournay, Ghent, Ostend, and several other towns, from the reign of Louis XIII.

Pays-coupés, Fr. Confined, inclosed, or intersected countries. Marshal Saxe has observed, that it is impossible to lay down any specific rule relative to the management of troops in countries of this description. An intelligent and able officer will be governed by the nature of the ground in which he is to act; and as under these circumstances, the contest will consist chiefly of a war of posts, and of desultory engagements, in which the most obstinate will be generally the most successful, it will be incumbent upon every military man to recollect, that he must never advance, without having previously secured means for a retreat, should that be judged expedient, and being constantly guarded on his flanks to prevent the fatal consequences of surprise and ambuscade. Although the latter precautions are principally attended to by the general of an army, every partisan or officer commanding a detachment, should be more or less alive to the many mischiefs which must ensue from carelessness and inattention. It would be superfluous to point out what troops are best calculated to act in a close or intersected country. Every military man must know, that mountainous and close countries, or intersected lands, are best adapted to light infantry manœuvres, and that cavalry can only act, with safety and effect, in an open country. The solidity of this observation has probably been the cause of so much improvement in light artillery, and in rifle corps. The latter, indeed, by the use which has been made of their particular weapon, and the desultory execution of it on service, have sufficiently shewn, that no army ought to move without them.

PAYSANS. Fr. Peasants.

PEACE, has been represented allegorically as a beautiful female, holding in her hand a wand or rod towards the earth, over a hideous serpent, and keeping her other hand over her face, as unwilling to behold strife or war. By some painters she has been represented holding in one hand an olive branch, and leading a lamb and a wolf yoked by their necks, in the other; others again have delineated her with an olive branch in her right hand, and a cornucopia, or horn of plenty, in her left.

A very celebrated temple was erected for the goddess of peace at Rome, which was furnished with most of the rich vases and curiosities taken out of the temple of the Jews at Jerusalem. In this temple she was represented as a fine lady, endowed with a great deal of sweetness and good-nature, crowned with laurel interwoven, holding a caduceus in one hand, and a nosegay of roses and ears of corn, in the other.

The temple of peace, built by Vespasian, was 300 feet long, and 200 broad. Josephus says, that all the rarities which men travel through the world to see, were deposited in this temple.

Peace, (Paix, Fr.) rest, silence, quietness; the direct opposite to war; and when the latter prevails, the ultimate object of every contest. This word is frequently prefixed to the term establishment, to signify the reduced number of effective men, in the British army, according to the various formations of corps. Thus one regiment may be 1200 strong in time of war, and only 600 in time of peace. A regiment may also consist of several battalions, the 60th regiment for example has six battalions each of the strength of a regiment; that is from 1000 to 1200 men each. Whence arises the distinction between war and peace establishments. The standing army of Great Britain, according to law, consists of that force only which is kept up in time of peace, and which is confined to a specific number of regiments. Every regiment, beyond the regulated number, during a war is liable to be reduced; and all within it are said to be out of the break.

PEADA, Ind. a footman who carries a staff.

PECHE, Fr. Fishery.

PECTORAL, (Pectoral, Fr.) a breast plate. This word is derived from the Latin, Pectorale. Among the Romans the poorer soldiers, who were rated under a thousand drachms, instead of the lorica or brigantine, (a leathern coat of mail) wore a pectorale, or breast-plate of thin brass, about 12 fingers square. Some modern troops, such as the cuirassiers, &c. wear pectorals for the direct purposes of defence and bodily protection; but in general small ornamental plates with clasps, have been substituted.

PECULAT, Fr. See Peculation.

PECULATE, PECULATION, the crime of pilfering any thing, either sacred or public, particularly public money, by a person who has the management or custody thereof. This crime is punishable in the heirs of the original delinquent. Under peculation may be considered not only the monies which are embezzled or misapplied by commissioned, non-commissioned, and warrant officers, but the public stores, provisions, aims, and ammunition, &c. which may be sold for private emolument. Occasional examples have been made by government, of a crime that cannot be too scrupulously watched, or too heavily punished, ought to deter individuals from sacrificing public integrity to private views. They ought to remember, that like the sword of Damocles, public scorn hangs over the head of every man whose accounts have not been finally audited and passed.

PECUNIA. Money. A deity in the heathen mythology; (though not a goddess personified among them) the most powerful ascendant the moderns know. The Romans held that she presided over riches, and that she had a son named Argentinus, whom they adored in the hopes of growing rich.

PECUNIUS, a deity of the ancient Prussians, in honor of whom they kept a fire of oak perpetually burning. A priest constantly attended, and if the fire happened to go out by his neglect, he was instantly put to death. When it thundered, they imagined that their grand priest conversed with their god, and for that reason they fell prostrate on the earth, praying for seasonable weather.

PEDERERO, PATTARERO, a Portuguese term, signifying a small sort of cannon, which is particularly used on the quarter deck of ships, to fire or throw forth stones, or broken iron, upon hoarding parties. This word has been adopted both by the French and English.

PEDOMETER, (Pedometre, Fr.) a mathematical instrument, composed of various wheels with teeth, which by means of a chain fastened to a man’s foot, or to the wheel of a chariot, advance a notch each step, or each revolution of the wheel, and the number being marked at the edge of each wheel, the paces may be numbered, or the distance from one place to another be exactly measured.

PEGS, pointed pieces of wood, used to fasten the cords of a tent.

PEIADAK, Ind. a guard to accompany a prisoner at large.

PEISA, Ind. Cash; or copper money.

PEER, Ind. Monday.

PELE-MELE, Fr. a French adverb, from which is derived the English term pellmell, signifying, confusedly, in disorder, in heaps, &c.

PELICAN, Fr. an ancient piece of artillery which carried a six pound weight of ball, and weighed two thousand four hundred pounds.

PELLE de bois simple, Fr. a wooden shovel.

PELOTE à feu, Fr. Pelote literally means the bottom of a pincushion, a ball, &c. It is here used to signify a species of combustible ball, which serves to throw light into a fosse or elsewhere. The composition is pitch one part, sulphur three parts, to one pound of saltpetre. The whole is well mixed together, and incorporated with tow, from which the pelotes are made.

PELOTON, Fr. Platoon.

Rompre le Peloton, Fr. A platoon being generally considered as a subdivision, rompre le peloton signifies to break into sections.

Former le Peloton, Fr. to double up or form subdivision.

Pelotonne, ée, Fr. formed into a platoon.

Pelotonner, Fr. to gather together, to get into groupes.

Se Pelotonner, Fr. to form into a platoon.

PELTA, in antiquity, a kind of buckler, small, light, and more manageable than the Parma which was used by the Amazons, according to Virgil, and resembled the moon in his first quarter, according to Servius.

PENAL, (Pénal, ale, Fr.) any decree or law which subjects individuals, &c. to penalties. Hence code pénal. Les loix pénales. The penal code, the penal laws. Thus in England a person professing the Catholic religion is not permitted to exercise his religion if a soldier; and a catholic cannot be a commissioned officer.

PENALTY. In a military sense, signifies forfeiture for non-performance, likewise punishment for embezzlement, &c. An officer found guilty of embezzling stores is cashiered; any person who harbors, conceals, or assists any deserter from the United States’ service, is liable to a heavy penalty.

PENDULUM, in mechanics, any heavy body suspended in such a manner that it may vibrate backwards, and forwards, about some fixed point, by the force of gravity.

A pendulum is any body suspended upon, and moving about, a point as a centre. The nature of a pendulum consists in the following particulars. 1. The times of the vibrations of a pendulum, in very small arches, are all equal. 2. The velocity of the bob in the lowest point, will be nearly as the length of the cord of the arch which it describes in the descent. 3. The times of vibrations in different pendulums, are the square roots of the times of their vibrations. 4. The time of one vibration is to the time of descent, through half the length of the pendulum as the circumference of a circle is to its diameter. 5. Whence the length of a pendulum vibrating seconds in the latitude of London, is found to be 39 inches and ²⁄₁₀ths; and of one half-second pendulum 9.8 inches. 6. An uniform homogeneous body, as a rod, staff, &c. which is ¹⁄₃d part longer than a pendulum, will vibrate in the same time with it.

From these properties of the pendulum we may discern its use as an universal chronometer, or regulator of time. By this instrument, also, we can measure the distance of a ship, of a battery, &c. by measuring the interval of time between the fire and report of the gun; also the distance of a cloud, by counting the seconds or half-seconds, between the lightning and the thunder. Thus, suppose between the lightning and thunder we count ten seconds; then, because sound passes through 1142 feet in one second, we get the distance of the cloud = 11420 feet. Again, the height of any room, or other object, may be measured by a pendulum vibrating from the top thereof. Thus, suppose a pendulum from the height of a room, or other object, vibrates once in three seconds; then say, as 1 is to the square of 3, viz. 9, so is 39.2 to 352.8 feet, the height required. Lastly, by the pendulum we discover the different force of gravity on divers parts of the earth’s surface, and thence the true figure of the earth.

PENDULUMS. Pendulums for military purposes are best made with a musquet ball, and a piece of silk, or other small line. Their length must be measured from the centre of the ball to the end of the loop on which they are to swing. In a cylinder, or other uniform prism or rod, the centre of oscillation, from whence they must be measured, is at the distance of one-third from the bottom, or two-thirds below the centre of motion.

Pendulum’s length in latitude of London, to swing

Seconds 39 ¹⁄₈th.

¹⁄₂ Seconds 9 ·8

¹⁄₄ Seconds 2 ·45

Length of Pendulums to vibrate Seconds at every fifth degree of latitude.

Degrees of Latitude. Length of Pendulum.

Inches.

39,027

5 39,029

10 39,032

15 39,036

20 39,044

25 39,057

30 39,070

35 39,084

40 39,097

45 39,111

50 39,126

55 39,142

60 39,158

65 39,168

70 39,177

75 39,185

80 39,191

85 39,195

90 39,197

Rule.—To find the length of a pendulum to make any number of vibrations, and vice versa.

Call the pendulum making 60 vibrations the standard length; then say, as the square of the given number of vibrations is to the square of 60; so is the length of the standard to the length sought. If the length of the pendulum be given and the number of vibrations it makes in a minute be required; say, as the given length, is to the standard length, so is the square of 60, its vibrations in a minute, to the square of the number required. The square root of which will be the number of vibrations made in a minute.

PENNANT, PENNON, a small flag or color.

Gentlemen PENSIONERS, (Gentilshommes Pensionnaires, Fr.) a band of gentlemen, who guard the British king’s person in his own house, and for that end wait in the presence chamber. They were first instituted by Henry VII. They are usually forty in number. Their officers are, a captain, lieutenant, standard-bearer, and clerk of the cheque. Their ordinary arms are guilt pole-axes. Their pension is 100l. per annum; they are usually called beef-eaters, from their usually fat appearance and indolent habits.

PENTACAPSULAR, having five cavities.

PENTAEDROUS, having five sides.

PENTAGON, in fortification, a figure bounded by five sides, or polygons, which form so many angles, capable of being fortified with an equal number of bastions. It also denotes a fort with five bastions.

PENTAGRAPH, (Pentagraphe, Fr.), An instrument whereby designs, &c. may be copied in any proportion, without the person, who uses it, being skilled in drawing.