Chapter D: Caldwell, (24)

GENS _de sac et de corde_, _Fr._ an opprobrious term which the French apply to men that deserve chastisement. In former times, the cord or rope, and the sack, were the common instruments and means of punishment. The ropes served to hang up malefactors: and the sack was used to contain their bodies when it was ordained that they should be thrown into a river.

GENS _de mer_, _Fr._ sea-faring men.

GENS _de l’équipage_, _Fr._ men belonging to the train of artillery.

GENT. _Fr._ Nation. It is only used in poetry, viz. _La gent, qui porte le Turban_. The Turkish Nation. In the plural number it is only accepted according to the following significations.

_Le droit des_ GENS, _Fr._ the rights of nations.

_Violer le droit des_ GENS, _Fr._ to infringe or violate the rights of nations.

_Respecter le droit des_ GENS, _Fr._ to respect the rights of nations.

_Un traité du troit des_ GENS, _Fr._ a treatise on the rights of nations.

The following phrases are in familiar use among the French, viz.

GENS _de marque_, _Fr._ men of distinction.

GENS _de condition_, _Fr._ men of condition.

GENS _d’honneur_, _Fr._ men of honor.

GENS _de qualité_, _Fr._ men of fashion, or quality.

GENS _de coeur_, _Fr._ men of spirit.

GENS _d’epée_, _Fr._ this term is used among the French, to distinguish officers, gentlemen, &c. who wear swords, from those who do not, particularly so in opposition to _gens de la robe_, or lawyers.

GENS _de main_, _Fr._ executive characters.

GENS _de service_, _Fr._ useful men, persons of exertions.

GENS _de pied_, _Fr._ The same as _fantassins_, foot soldiers, or men who serve on foot.

GENS _de cheval_, _Fr._ cavalry, or men who serve on horseback.

_Mille_ GENS, _cent mille gens_, _Fr._ signifies any considerable number of men.

GENS, _Fr._ this word is likewise used to distinguish bodies of men that are in opposition to each other, viz.

_Nos_ GENS _ont battu les ennemis_, _Fr._ our men, or people have overcome the enemy.

_Nos_ GENS _ont été battus_, _Fr._ our men or people have been beaten.

_Je craignois que ce ne fussent des ennemis, et c’étoient de nos_ GENS, _Fr._ I was apprehensive that they were our enemies, but they proved to be our own people.

_Nos_ GENS _battirent les vôtres_, _Fr._, our men beat your’s.

GENS, _Fr._ when followed by the preposition _de_, and by a substantive, which points out any particular profession, trade, &c. signifies all those persons that belong to one nation, one town, &c. or who are of one specific profession or calling, as

LES GENS _d’église_, _Fr._ churchmen.

LES GENS _de robe_, _Fr._ lawyers or gentlemen of the long robe.

_Les_ GENS _de finance_, _Fr._ men concerned in the distribution of public money.

_Les_ GENS _de loi_, _Fr._ means generally all persons who have any connection with the law in the way of profession.

_Les_ GENS _du roi_, _Fr._ Crown lawyers.

GENTILHOMMES _de la garde_, commonly called _Au bec de corbin_, or the battle axe. This company went through many alterations during the monarchy of France. During the last years of that government, it consisted of 200 guards under the command of a captain, a lieutenant, and an ensign. The captain had the power of giving away the subaltern commissions, and had moreover the entire management of the rest; every vacancy being in his gift. They marched in file, each holding his battle-axe, before the king on days of public ceremony. These were chiefly at the coronation, and the marriage of the king, or at the reception of the knights of the Holy Ghost.

When the company was first raised, its particular duty was to attend the king’s person, and to be constantly near him on the day of battle.

GENTILHOMME _à drapeau établie dans chaque compagnie des gardes Francoises_, _Fr._ under the old French government, this person ranked as _officier en second_. He did duty in common with the ensigns of the French guards, and took precedence immediately under them. His name always stood upon the muster roll, but his appointment was purely honorary, as he did not receive any pay; his tour of duty in mounting guards, went with that of the ensigns, he was obliged to be present at all field days, and could not absent himself without leave.

GENTILSHOMMES _pensionnaires_, _Fr._ Gentlemen pensioners. See PENSIONERS.

GEODOESIA, GEODESIE, _Fr._ that part of practical geometry, which contains the doctrine or art of measuring surfaces and finding the contents of all plain figures. Among the French _géodesie_ means likewise the division of lands. See SURVEYING.

GEOGRAPHY is the doctrine or knowledge of the terrestrial globe; or the science that teaches and explains the state of the earth, and parts thereof that depend upon quantity; or it is rather that part of mixed mathematics, which explains the state of the earth, and of its parts depending on quantity, viz. its figure, magnitude, place, and motion, with the celestial appearances, &c. In consequence of this definition, geography should be divided into general and special, or universal and particular.

_By universal_ GEOGRAPHY, is understood that part of the science which considers the whole earth in general, and explains its properties without regard to particular countries. This division is again distinguished into three parts, absolute, relative, and comparative. The absolute part respects the body of the earth itself, its parts and peculiar properties; as its figure, magnitude, and motion; its lands, seas, and rivers, &c. The relative part accounts for the appearances and accidents that happen to it from celestial causes; and lastly, the comparative contains an explanation of those properties which arise from comparing different parts of the earth together.

_Special_ or _particular_ GEOGRAPHY is that division of the science which describes the constitution and situation of each single country by itself; and is twofold, viz. chorographical, which describes countries of a considerable extent; or topographical, which gives a view of some place, or small tract of land. Hence the object or subject of geography is the earth, especially its superficies and exterior parts.

_The properties of_ GEOGRAPHY are of three kinds, viz. celestial, terrestrial, and human. The celestial properties are such as affect us by reason of the apparent motion of the sun and stars. These are 8 in number.

1. The elevation of the pole, or the distance of a place from the equator.

2. The obliquity of the diurnal motion of the stars above the horizon of the place.

3. The time of the longest and shortest day.

4. The climate and zone.

5. Heat, cold, and the seasons of the year; with rain, snow, wind, and other meteors.

6. The rising, appearance, and continuance of stars above the horizon.

7. The stars that pass through the zenith of a place.

8. The celerity of the motion with which, according to the Copernican hypothesis, every place constantly revolves.

The terrestrial properties are those observed in the face of the country, and are 10 in number.

1. The limits and bounds of each country.
2.} {figure;
3.} {magnitude;
4.}Its{mountains;
5.} {waters, viz. springs, rivers, lakes, and bays;
6.} {woods and deserts.
7. The fruitfulness and barrenness of the country, with its various
kinds of fruits.
8.} {minerals and fossils;
9.}The{living creatures there;
10.} {longitude and latitude of the place.

The third kind of observations to be made in every country is called human, because it chiefly regards the inhabitants of the place. It consists of 10 specific branches.

1. The stature, shape, color, and the length of their lives; their
origin, meat and drink.
2. Their arts, and the profits which arise from them, with the
merchandize they barter one with another.
3. Their virtues and vices, learning, capacities, and schools.
4. Their ceremonies at births, marriages, and funerals.
5. The language which the inhabitants use.
6.} {political government.
7.}Their{religion and church government.
8.} {cities and famous places.
9.} {remarkable histories and antiquities.
10. Their famous men, artificers, and inventions of the natives.

These are the three kinds of occurrences to be explained in special geography.

_The principles of_ GEOGRAPHY, or those from which arguments are drawn for the proving of propositions in that science, are, according to the best authors, of three sorts.

1. Geometrical, arithmetical, and trigonometrical propositions.

2. Astronomical precepts and theorems.

3. Experience, being that upon which the greatest part of geography, and chiefly the special is founded.

In proving geographical propositions, we are to observe, that several properties, and chiefly the celestial, are confirmed by proper demonstrations; being either grounded on experience and observation, or on the testimony of our senses: nor can they be proved by any other means. There are also several propositions proved, or rather exposed to view, by the terrestrial globe, or by geographical maps.

Other propositions cannot be so well proved, yet are received as apparent truths. Thus, though we suppose all places on the globe, and in maps, to be laid down in the same order as they are really on the earth; nevertheless, in these matters, we rather follow the descriptions that are given by geographical writers.

GEOGRAPHY is very ancient, at least the special part thereof; for the ancients scarce went beyond the description of countries. It was a constant custom among the Romans, after they had conquered or subdued any province, to have a map or printed representation thereof, carried in triumph and exposed to the view of the spectators. Historians relate that the Roman senate, about 100 years before Christ, sent geographers into divers parts to make an exact survey and mensuration of the whole globe; but they scarcely ever saw the 20th part of it.

Before them, Necho, king of Egypt, ordered the Phœnicians to make a survey of the whole coast of Africa, which they accomplished in 3 years. Darius procured the Ethiopic sea, and the mouth of the Indus, to be surveyed; and Pliny relates, that Alexander, in his expedition into Asia, took two geographers to measure and describe the roads; and that from their itineraries, the writers of the following ages took many particulars. Indeed this may be observed, that whereas most other arts and sciences are sufferers by war, geography, artillery, mining, and fortification, alone have been improved thereby. Geography, however, must have been exceedingly defective, as a great part of the globe was then unknown, particularly all America, the northern parts of Europe and Asia, with the Australasia, and Magellanica; and they were also ignorant of the earth’s being capable to be sailed round, and of the torrid zone being habitable, &c.

The honor of reducing geography to art and system, was reserved for Ptolemy; who, by adding mathematical advantages to the historical method in which it had been treated of before, has described the world in a much more intelligible manner: he has delineated it under more certain rules, and by fixing the bounds of places from longitude and latitude, has discovered other mistakes, and has left us a method of discovering his own.

GEOLIER _des prisons militaires_, _Fr._ the superintendant or head jailor of military prisons. Under the old French government, this person had a right to visit all prisoners that were not confined in dungeons. He could order provisions, wood, and coal to be conveyed to them; but he had not the power of permitting women to visit or have any intercourse with the soldiers; and when their period of imprisonment expired, he could not detain them on account of debts contracted for food, lodging, or fees, &c. Half of the prisoner’s subsistence for one day, according to his rank, was given on his release.

GEOMETRICAL _elevations_, just dimensions of ascent proportionate to a given scale, &c. See ORTHOGRAPHY.

GEOMETRIE, _Fr._ Geometry.

GEOMETRIE _composée_, _Fr._ compound geometry, which consists in the knowlege of curved lines, and of the different bodies produced by them. The immediate object or intent of compound geometry is confined to conic sections, and to lines of that species.

GEOMETRIE _sublime et transcendante_, _Fr._ these terms have been applied by the French to the new system of geometry, which was produced by Leibnitz, and Newton, when they found out the method of calculating _ad infinitum_.

GEOMETRY, originally signified no more than the art of measuring the earth, or any distance or dimensions in it; but at present it denotes the science of magnitude in general; comprehending the doctrine and relations of whatever is susceptible of augmentation or diminution, considered in that light. Hence, to geometry may be referred the consideration not only of lines, surfaces, and solids; but also of time, velocity, number, weight, &c.

Plato thought the word geometry an improper name for this science, and accordingly substituted in its place the more extensive one of mensuration; and after him, others gave it the name of pantometry, as demonstrating not only the quantities of all manner of magnitudes, but also their qualities, ratios, positions, transformations, relations, &c. and Proclus calls it the knowlege of magnitudes and figures, and their limitations; also of their motions and affections of every kind.

_Origin and progress of_ GEOMETRY. This science had its rise in Asia, the invention, which at first consisted only in measuring the lands, that every person might have what belonged to him, was called geometry, or the art of measuring land; and it is probable, that the draughts and schemes which they were annually compelled to make, helped them to discover many excellent properties of these figures; which speculation has continued gradually to improve to this day.

From Asia it passed into Egypt, and thence into Greece, where it continued to receive improvement from Thales, Pythagoras, Archimedes, Euclid, &c. The elements of geometry, written by Euclid in 15 books, are a most convincing proof to what perfection this science was carried among the ancients. However, it must be acknowleged, that it fell short of modern geometry, the bounds of which, by the inventions of fluxions, and the discovery of the almost infinite order of curves are greatly enlarged.

_Division of_ GEOMETRY. This science is usually distinguished into elementary, and higher or sublime geometry. The first, or elementary geometry, treats of the properties of right lines, and of the circle, together with the figures and solids formed by them. The doctrine of lines comes first, then that of surfaces, and lastly that of solids. The higher geometry comprehends the doctrine of conic sections, and numerous other curves.

_Speculative and practical_ GEOMETRY. The former treats of the properties of lines and figures, as Euclid’s Elements, Apollonius’s Conic Sections, &c. and the latter shews how to apply these speculations to the use of mensuration, navigation, surveying, taking heights and distances, gauging, fortification, gunnery, &c.

_Usefulness of_ GEOMETRY. Its usefulness extends to almost every art and science. By the help of it, astronomers turn their observations to advantage: regulate the duration of times, seasons, years, cycles, and epochs; and measure the distance, motion, and magnitudes of the heavenly bodies. By it geographers determine the figure and magnitude of the whole earth; and delineate the extent and bearings of kingdoms, provinces, harbors, &c. It is from this science also that architects derive their just measure and construction of public edifices, as well as of private houses.

It is by the assistance of geometry that engineers conduct all their works, take the situation and plans of towns, the distances of places, and the measure of such things as are only accessible to the sight. It is not only an introduction to fortification, but highly necessary to mechanics. On geometry likewise depends the theory of gunnery, mining, music, optics, perspective, drawing, mechanics, hydraulics, pneumatics, &c.

We may distinguish the progress of geometry into three ages; the first of which was in its meridian glory at the time when Euclid’s Elements appeared; the second beginning with Archimedes, reaches to the time of Descartes; who by applying algebra to the elements of geometry, gave a new turn to this science, which has been carried to its utmost perfection by our learned countryman Sir Isaac Newton, and by the German philosopher Leibnitz.

GEORGE, _or knight of St. George_, has been the denomination of several military orders. See GARTER.

GERBE, _Fr._ means literally a sheaf, but it here signifies a sort of artificial firework, which is placed in a perpendicular manner, and resembles a sheaf. See JETS _de feu_.

GERBE likewise means the tithe which was formerly paid to the French curates.

_Faire_ GERBE _de foarre à dieu_, _Fr._ a figurative expression, signifying, that the farmer made up the worst sheaf he could for the parson; filling it principally with straw instead of good ears of corn.

GERMS, small coasting vessels employed by the French, to keep up an intercourse with Egypt.

GESE, _Fr._ a weapon used in former times.

GESES and _Materes_ were adopted by the Allobroges (a body of ancient Gauls so called) independently of the broad cut and thrust sword, which the Swiss still wear. These instruments were only one cubit long; half the blade was nearly square, but it terminated in a round point that was exceedingly sharp. Virgil in his Æneid calls this species of blade, _alpin_, meaning, no doubt, to convey, that it was in general use among the neighboring inhabitants of the _Alps_. Not only the Romans, but the Greeks received it into their armies. The former retained the full appellation and called it _gése_, but the latter corrupted it into _ysse_. This is the only weapon with which those soldiers were armed that escorted malefactors, who were condemned to death, to the place of execution. The term _gese_ was also applied to a sort of a javelin.

GESSATES, a people of whom Polybius speaks in his history of the ancient Gauls, and who inhabited the countries lying adjacent to the alps, and to the river Rhone. According to some writers, they were so called because they constantly wore _geses_. The gese is said to have been a dart which the ancient Gauls exclusively used, and which some authors since confounded with the _pertuisane_ or _partisan_, a sort of halbert, called by others a _javelin_. This word was used in Provence, as late as the year 1300; for in the inventory which was taken of the goods, furniture, &c. appertaining to the Templars, we find _gessus_ or _gesus_ particularly specified in the list of weapons and iron instruments, which was understood to mean _gese_, and under that appellation was deposited in the king’s archives at Aix. See BOUCHER, _Hist. Prov._ Liv. ii. c. 4. p. 82. This same author further asserts, that the _Gési_, and the _Gessates_ took their names from that weapon. He quotes Julius Cæsar’s account of the word _gesi_ in confirmation of his own opinion. Many authors have mentioned the same term: among others, Justus, Lipsus, Hugo, Cheves, Vossius, &c.

GESSATE _ou_ GESATE, _Fr._ a knight among the ancient Gauls, who took delight in war, and frequently volunteered his services beyond the boundaries of his native country. Whenever a neighboring country made a levy of men, it was usual for the gessates to accompany the troops, from a conviction that it would be dishonorable in them to remain inactive at home. These adventurers, or knights-errant, were called gessates, either on account of the gessus or large dart, which they carried, or, as Polybius imagines, on account of the subsistence which was paid them, and was called by that name.

GESTURE, a motion of the body intended to signify some idea, or passion of the mind. All officers and soldiers who make use of any menacing gesture before a commanding or superior officer, or before a court-martial, are liable to be punished by the laws of war.

GEZE, _Fr._ a rentrant angle, which is made with slate or lead, and forms a gutter between two roofs. It is likewise called _noue_, or pantile.

GHERIAH, a port on the Malabar Mahrattah coast of Hindustan, the capital part of Angria’s dominions, which consisted of an extent of coast, from whence this warlike state was a perpetual source of uneasiness to the trading ships of all the European nations in India. It cost the English East-India company 50,000_l._ annually to protect their own ships. Eight or ten grabs, and forty or fifty gallivats, crowded with men, generally composed Angria’s principal fleet in 1754, destined to attack ships of force or burthen. The vessel no sooner came in sight of the port or bay where the fleet was lying, than they slipped their cables and put out to sea. If the wind blew, their construction enabled them to sail almost as fast as the wind; and if it was calm, the gallivats rowing towed the grabs: when within cannon shot of the chace, they generally assembled in her wake, and the grabs attacked her at a distance with their prow guns, firing first only at the masts, and taking aim when the three masts of the vessel just opened all together to their view; by which means the shot would probably strike one or other of the three. As soon as the chase was dismasted, they came nearer, and battered her on all sides until she struck: and if the defence was obstinate, they sent a number of gallivats, with two or three hundred men in each, who boarded sword in hand from all quarters in the same instant.

The English trusting to the report of the natives, had until the year 1756, believed Gheriah to be at least as strong as Gibraltar, and like that situated on a mountain which was inaccessible from the sea, for this reason it was resolved to send vessels to reconnoitre it; which service commodore James, in the Protector, with two other ships, performed. He found the enemy’s fleet at anchor in the harbor, notwithstanding which, he approached within cannon shot of the fort, and having attentively considered it, returned at the end of December to Bombay, and described the place, such as it truly was, very strong indeed, but far from being inaccessible or impregnable. This place was taken by the English troops under the command of colonel Clive. There were found in it 200 pieces of cannon, six brass mortars, and a great quantity of ammunition, and military and naval stores of all kinds; the money and effects of other kinds, amounted to 1,200,000_l._ sterling. All this booty was divided amongst the captors, without any reserve either for the nation, or the company. In less than a month the English, with their allies the Mahrattas got possession of all the territories wrested from the latter by Angria’s predecessors, and which they had for seventy years despaired of ever being able to recover.

GIBERNE, _Fr._ a sort of bag in which the grenadiers held their hand-grenades. It was worn like a powder flask. They likewise carried, independent of this bag, a cartouch box containing 18 or 20 charges.

GIBRALTAR, a strong fortress of Andalusia, in Spain. Gibraltar was formerly thought to be impregnable; but it was taken by Sir George Rooke in 1704, and has remained in the hands of the English ever since. It has been several times attacked by the Spaniards, who have always been unsuccessful. Their last effort to recover it was made September 13th, 1782, with floating batteries, in which were mounted 212 brass cannon and mortars. The French united with the Spaniards on this memorable occasion; and the brother to the last king of the French, (then Count D’Artois) commanded the camp of St. Roche, from whence the offensive operations were directed. General Elliot, (afterwards called lord Heathfield) had prepared a great number of red-hot balls against the attack; and these so effectually destroyed the floating batteries, that the Spaniards were greatly annoyed, and relinquished the enterprize. For particulars, see Drinkwater’s siege of Gibraltar.

GIN, in military mechanics, is a machine for raising great weights: it is composed of 3 long legs, 2 of which are kept at a proper distance by means of 2 iron bars fixed on one of the legs by a staple passing through a hole at one end: the other end has a hook which enters into a staple fixed into the other leg so as to be taken off or put on at pleasure.

At 3 feet from the bottom is a roller, upon which the cable was wound; and the 3 legs are joined together with an iron bolt, about which they move: to this bolt, is also fixed an iron half-ring to hook on a windlass: when the gin stands upright, so as the legs stand at a proper distance, one end of the cable is fastened to a gun, mortar, or other weight; and the other passes through the pullies and about the roller, which is turned round by means of hand-spikes passing through the holes in the ends of the roller: whilst a man holds the cable tight, the gun is raised to the height required, so that the carriage may be put under it.

GIN _Triangle_--Length of arms of the gin 16 feet 4¹⁄₂ inches. Roller, 6 feet long. Tackle fall, 78 feet of 3 inch white rope. Sling, 6 inch white rope.

The newly constructed gin, by having one half of the roller of a greater diameter than the other, gives a new power, that of elevating or lowering the object in a greater or lesser proportion, according to the end of the cylinder upon which the cable is fixed.

For the different exercises of the gin, see the word EXERCISE.

GINCE, a place in India, situated 35 miles N. W. of Pondicherry.

GINJAULS _or_ GINGAULS, an East Indian name, signifying large musquets used with a rest, somewhat similar to those invented by Marshal Vauban, for the defence of forts.

GIRANDE, _Fr._ the chief cluster, or assemblage of an artificial firework, with which a shew or illumination is generally concluded.

A _girande_ may be made by uniting several chests or clusters together, and securing with a match of communication, a regular inflammation.

GIRANDOLE, _Fr._ literally, a chandelier; a cluster of diamonds.

GIRANDOLES, _Fr._ circles ornamented with fusees. They are used in fireworks. See SOLEILS _tournans_.

GIROUETTES, _Fr._ Weathercocks, vanes. They are seldom or ever used on shore, except as weathercocks on tops of church-steeples, &c.

GIROUETTE in the singular number, likewise means figuratively light, inconstant, not to be depended upon. As _ce jeune officier est aussi girouette que ce coutume_. This young officer is as light as usual.

GISTES, pieces of wood which are made use of in the construction of platforms to batteries, and upon which the madriers or broad planks are placed.

GLACIS. See FORTIFICATION.

GLACIS _d’une corniche_, _Fr._ a waterfall, or insensible slope which is made upon the _cymatium_ (a member of architecture, whereof one half is convex, and the other concave) of a cornish.

GLADIATOR, GLADIATEUR, _Fr._ a sword player, a prize fighter. The old Romans were accustomed to make their slaves fight with one another at their public festivals, and the only weapon they used, was a gladine or sword. This barbarous usage was abolished by the emperor Theodoric in the year of Christ 500; but it prevailed among the ancient Britons, and in England to a much later date.

GLAIS _militaire_, _Fr._ a military compliment which was paid to the remains of a deceased general. It consisted in a discharge of ordnance. In a civil sense, it means the chiming of bells at the death of a parish priest.

GLAISE, _Fr._ clay, or potter’s earth.

GLAISER, _Fr._ to do over with potter’s earth, or clay.

GLAIVE, a broad sword, or falchion, anciently so called.

_Le_ GLAIVE _de la justice_, the sword of justice.

GLAIZE, a kind of halbert, so called by the Saxons.

GLAS, _Fr._ knell.

GLIB _act_, a very ancient act of parliament which directed that the Irish nobility and gentry who were of English or Norman extraction, should forfeit the privileges of their original country, if they did not shave the upper lip. This act took place when Ireland was first conquered, and its object was to distinguish the descendants of the invaders; from the old Irish nobility that traced its origin to Milesius, who wore their hair and their beards very long; hence glib, means loose, flowing.

GLIPHE _ou_ GLYPHE, _Fr._ signifies generally every species of canal, or hollow, which constitutes any part of ornamental architecture.

GLOBES _ou ballons d’artifices_, _Fr._ globes or balloons, which are filled with artificial fire. They are used to set fire to an enemy’s town or works, &c.

GLOBES _de feu_, _Fr._ a cartouch made of mashed paper, which is laid upon a wooden bowl and made perfectly round. It is afterward perforated in several places, and filled with the inflammable composition that is used in the making up of _lances à feu_. The instant it catches, a very bright and lively fire issues out of the several holes.

GLOBE. See GEOGRAPHY.

GLOIRE, _Fr._ an artificial fire-work, which resembles a large sun. It is made by means of an iron wheel containing four circles, each circle diminishing towards the centre, and kept at equal distances from one another. Forty eight _jets de feu_, or fire spouts, are tied to these circles; each jet is twenty French inches long, and there are twelve of them fixed to each of the four circles. The gloire or soleil is placed in the middle of the principal fire-work.

_Military_ GLORY, honor, reputation and fame, acquired by military atchievements. That precarious splendor, which plays round the brows of a warrior, and has been collected by hard service, extraordinary genius, and unblemished integrity; but which may desert the greatest hero through one unfortunate failure.

GO. The verb _to go_ is variously used in a military sense, as to march in a hostile, or warlike manner.

_To_ GO _off_, implies to depart from any post.

_To_ GO _on_, to make an attack.

_To_ GO _over_, to revolt.

_To_ GO _out_, to go upon any expedition, &c.

_To_ GO _out_ is likewise frequently used to signify the act of fighting a duel, as _he went out with a brother officer, and was slightly wounded_.

GOA, a strong town on the Malabar coast, belonging to the Portuguese. The chief trade is in arrack. This fort was taken by the English April 2d, 1756.

GOLADAR _or_ GOLDAR, an East Indian term, signifying a store-keeper, or store-house-keeper.

GOLANDAAZEE, the Indian term for an artillery man.

GOLCONDA, a province in India, formerly comprehending the nabobships of Arcot, Canoul, Cudapa, Rajamandry, and Chicacole.

GOLCONDA, formerly a city and the capital of the province. It stood at the foot of the rock and fortress of the same name; but the city has long since been deserted; and its inhabitants removed to Hyderabad: nevertheless its name is still frequently used in Indostan, when in reality the city of Hyderabad is meant.

GOLDEN _Rock_, a spot near Tritchinopoly in East India, which has been renowned by the victory that was gained by the British troops over the French and their allies in 1753.

GONDECAMA, _Gondegama_, a river in India, which makes the northern boundary of the province of Arcot; Condavir extends between this and the river Kristna.

GONDOLA, _Gondole_, _Fr._ this word may be taken in two senses, viz. to signify a cup; or a small barge which is flat and long in its construction, and is only moved, or worked by oars. Gondolas are much used upon the canals in Venice; they are extremely remarkable for their shape, and the great swiftness with which they glide through the water. The middle sized ones are about thirty feet long, and are only four feet broad across the middle, gradually tapering towards each end, and rising in two sharp and narrow points to the ordinary height of a man. Upon the prow is fixed an iron of uncommon length, which does not exceed half a finger’s breadth in thickness; but which is four fingers broad, and is so disposed as to cut the air. The upper part of this iron which is flatter than the rest, stretches out in the shape of a large hatchet a full foot in length: so that when the gondola is on her way, it seems to menace every thing before it, and to force its passage.

GONDOLIERS, _Gondoliers_, _Fr._ the men who have the management of the gondolas at Venice, are so called. The equipment of a gondola seldom exceeds two persons, even on board of those barges that belong to the foreign ambassadors.

It sometimes happens that there are four, when persons of distinction go to their country houses. The gondoliers never sit down but row the barge standing upright and push forward. One man always plies in the fore part of the gondola, and the other is at the poop.

GONFALON, GONFANON, an ensign or standard.

GONG, the Persian word for a village.

GONG WALLAS, villagers, the militia in India so called; from _gong_, a village, and _wallas_, a man.

GORGE. See FORTIFICATION.

GORGE, _Fr._ likewise means any hollow between a chain of mountains, that affords a passage into an open country.

Gorge, _Fr._ a sort of concave moulding belonging to ornamental architecture.

GORGERIN, _Fr._ in ancient times, that part of the armor which covered the neck of a man. Hence our word _gorget_.

GORGONS, in military antiquity, a warlike female nation of Libya, in Africa, who had frequent quarrels with another nation of the same sex, called _Amazons_.

GOTHIC, (_Gothique_ _Fr._) any thing constructed after the manner of the Goths. Various works and buildings that appear to have been constructed without any particular regard to the rules of art, are so called. All the old cathedrals are in the Gothic taste.

Monsieur de Fenelon has said, that gothic architecture can support an immense vault upon the slightest pillars. The elevation of it is so wonderful, that although it seems ready to tumble, is perforated and full of windows in every part, and stands as it were suspended in the skies, it nevertheless lasts out centuries, and almost always proves more durable than the most regular buildings.

_Fronton_ GOTHIQUE, _Fr._ a gothic pediment. In modern architecture, all circular or triangular gable ends are so called, when they are sculptured, or three leaved.

GOUDRON _ou_ GOUDRAN, _Fr._ pitch and tar.

GOUDRONS, _Fr._ small fascines, or faggots which are well steeped in wax, pitch, and glue, and then are lighted for the purpose of setting fire to beams, planks, traverses, galleries, pontoons, &c. They are likewise used in various shapes and ways, to convey light into the ditches, or upon the ramparts.

GOVERNOR _of a fortification_, is, or should be, a person of great military knowlege; and is a very considerable officer, whose authority extends not only over the inhabitants and garrison, but over all troops that may be there in winter quarters, cantonments, or quarters of refreshment.

_Duty of a_ GOVERNOR _in time of peace_, is to order the guards, the rounds, and the patroles; to give the parole and countersign every night after the gates are shut; to visit the posts, to see that both officers and soldiers do their duty, and that every thing goes on regularly and in good order.

_Duty of a_ GOVERNOR _in time of war_. He should consider the place in such a manner, as if the enemy were going to besiege him, not omitting the least thing that may contribute to a long and obstinate defence; he should therefore take particular care to keep the fortifications in good repair; clearing the country round of all hedges, ditches, trees, hollow roads, caverns, and rising grounds, within the reach of cannon shot; not suffering any houses to be built within that distance, nor in general any thing to be done that may favor the approach of an enemy.

He should consider well with himself every minute circumstance that may be of advantage to him during the siege: he should thoroughly examine the several works, and canvas all the different stratagems that may be used, either to defend them, or to give way upon occasion, when overpowered, with an intent to return and dislodge the enemy, after he has got possession of them; in short, how to defend the place entrusted to his care, inch by inch, with the best advantage.

He should consider how, and in what manner, the works defend each other; whether their communications are safe, or liable to be interrupted by the besiegers; how to incommode the enemy when he is at a distance, or to dislodge him when near; whether the ground be proper for mines, and where they should be made; whether any part of the country may not be laid under water, by means of dykes or sluices: if there are any already made, how to keep them in constant repair, or to make new ones if they are wanted; taking care to construct them so that the enemy may not have it in his power to destroy them, either with his cannon or mortars.

If the governor be not sufficiently skilled in the systems of attack and defence, he should frequently converse with the officers of engineers and artillery who understand them; examine the works together, see what may be done to render the defence of the place as long as the circumstances and nature of the works will admit of; and to make it familiar to himself, he should set down a project of defence on paper, and have it canvassed by the most skilful officers of artillery and engineers about him. This must be done in private; that spies or deserters may not discover the weak parts to the enemy. In short, nothing should be neglected on the part of the governor.

He should see that the place be well supplied with ammunition, and wholesome provisions; that the hospitals are in good order, and provided with able physicians and surgeons, as likewise with every thing wholesome and necessary, that the sick and wounded may be well taken care of.

The powder magazines above all things, require his most special care: for though they are built bomb-proof, yet, when a great number of shells fall upon them, they seldom resist their shock; for which reason they should be covered 8 or 10 feet thick with earth, and a layer of fascines, dung and strong planks, laid over them.

GOUJAT, _Fr._ A soldier’s boy. It likewise signifies an ignorant good-for-nothing fellow.

GOUINE, a woman of infamous character.

GOURDIN, _Fr._ a flat stick, two fingers in breadth, which was used by the french to punish galley slaves.

GOURGANDINE, _Fr._ a strumpet of the lowest species, a soldier’s trull.

GOUVERNAIL, _Fr._ a rudder.

GOUVERNEMENT, _Fr._ anciently meant a certain specific allotment of provinces, towns, &c. under the superintendence and government of one person who received his powers from the king, and had subordinate officers under him. There were twelve governments in France, at the first institution of monarchy, called _grands gouvernemens généraux_, which were specifically noticed in all the general sittings of the kingdom. They were first formed by Hugues Capet, in 987. Previous to the revolution in 1789, they were subdivided into 39 general provincial governments with inferior officers, subject to their jurisdiction; such as governors of towns, and commandants of fortified places. Each governor general was entitled to a guard of cavalry, a certain number of halberdiers and armed men on foot.

GOUVERNEUR _d’une place de guerre_, _Fr._ the governor of a fortified town or place. See _governor of a_ FORTIFICATION.

GOWA. A witness is so called in India.

GRABS. Vessels peculiar to the Malabar coast. They have rarely more than two masts, although some have three; those of three are about 300 tons burthen; but the others are not more than 150 tons; they are built to draw very little water, being very broad in proportion to their length, narrowing from the middle to the end, where instead of bows they have a prow, projecting like that of a Mediterranean galley, and covered with a strong deck level with the main deck of the vessel, from which, however, it is separated by a bulk head, which terminates the forecastle. As this construction subjects the grab to pitch violently when sailing against a head sea; the deck of the prow is not enclosed with sides as the rest of the vessel is, but remains bare, that the water which dashes upon it may pass off without interruption. On the main deck under the forecastle are mounted two pieces of cannon nine or twelve pounders, which point forwards through the port holes cut in the bulk head, and fire over the prow; the cannon of the broadside are from six to nine pounders.

GRAFF. See DITCH or MOAT.

GRAIN, _Fr._ A word used in the repairing of damaged cannon.

_Mettre un_ GRAIN _a une piece_, to fill up the touch-hole of a piece of ordnance, the heating it in such a manner, that the metal which is poured in may assimilate and mix. When it becomes cold, a fresh aperture is made or bored.

GRAIS, _Fr._ large stones resembling Scotch pebbles. They are used to pave the high-roads, and streets.

GRAM, the grey peas are called by this name in Hindustan, and is the common food of horses, for which purpose it is previously steept in water.

GRAMEN, grass, in botany.

GRAMINE, _couronne gramine_, _Fr._ a grass or gramineous crown, which was made among the Romans. See OBSIDIONAL.

GRANADE. False orthography. See GRENADE.

GRANADIER, false orthography. See GRENADIER.

GRAND. This word is frequently used both in French and English as a word of title or distinction; it means great. In French it also means large.

GRAND _division_. The battalion being told off by two companies to each division, is said to be told off in grand divisions; hence grand division firing is, when the battalion fires by 2 companies at the same time, and is commanded by 1 officer only.

GRAND _maitre d’artillerie_, _Fr._ grand master of the ordnance, &c. &c. &c.

GRAND _soleil brillant_, _Fr._ a sun exhibited in artificial fireworks. See GLOIRE.

GRAND _Vizir_. See VIZIR.

GRANITE, (_granit_, _Fr._) a sort of hard stone which is variegated by spots and streaks, and is rather encrusted. It is very common in Egypt. There is a species of granite, that is of a white and violet color; and another which is green mixed with white. The most ordinary kind has grey and green spots scattered over a greyish white.

Columns 40 feet high have been seen in Egypt which consisted wholly of one piece of granite. The Egyptian Pyramids are made of that marble; such indeed is the quantity said to exist about the country, that some authors imagine the whole extent of its foundation to be a solid rock of granite. The French distinguish this sort of stone by calling it _marbre granit_ and _marbre granitelle_. In natural history it is generally called _granita_, being a distinct genus of stones composed of separate and very large concretions rudely compacted together, of great hardness and capable of receiving a very fine and beautiful polish.

GRANOIR, _Fr._ a term used in the French artillery, to signify a sort of sieve, in which there are small round holes for moist powder to be passed through, in order to make the grains perfectly round.

GRAPE _shot_. See SHOT.

GRAPHOMETER, (_graphometre_, _Fr._) among surveyors, an instrument for taking angles, and generally called a semi-circle. In mathematics it serves to measure heights and elevations, to raise plans, &c.

GRAPPLING. The French call it grapin, herisson, risson, or harpeau; it is a sort of small anchor, with four or five flukes or arms, commonly used to ride a boat.

GRAPPLING-_irons_, in the art of war, are composed of 4, 5, or 6 branches, bent round and pointed, with a ring at the root, to which is fastened a rope to hold by, when the grapple is thrown at any thing, in order to bring it near, so as to lay hold of it.

_Fire_ GRAPPLING, an instrument which nearly resembles the above, only that it is fitted with strong barbs instead of flukes, and is fixed at the yard arms of a fire-ship to grapple her adversary, and set her on fire. The French call this instrument _grapin de brulôt_.

GRAS-_bois_, _Fr._ in carpentry, a term to signify any piece of wood which is too large to fit the place it was intended to fill, and which must necessarily be diminished. Hence the expression _dêmaigrir_, to thin.

GRASS, (_gramen_,) in botany a general name for most of the herbaceous plants used in feeding cattle.

GRASS _plats_, green walks which for the most part are made by laying turfs or green sods.

GRATICULER, _Fr._ to divide with a pencil on a sheet of paper, any design or drawing into small equal squares, in order to reduce the original sketch or picture, or to enlarge it by the same process. This word is derived from the Italian, _graticola_, a gridiron.

GRATIFICATION, _Fr._ In a general acceptation of the term, this word meant, among the French, certain rewards which generals gave to the troops, after a severe engagement, in testimony of their valor and good conduct. These rewards were distributed according to rank. This custom was prevalent in the most ancient times. According to Vegetius, all monies distributed by the Romans, as military gratifications or rewards, were deposited in the ensign or standard-bearer’s hands, to be occasionally given to the soldiers. Sometimes the generals gave directions, that a certain proportion should be sequestered or put apart. By degree, a fund was collected; and the temptations to desert lost their influence in the superior attachment which every soldier felt to his standard, whose bearer was the trustee of his little property, and to whom he was consequently bound by one of the most powerful ties of the human heart--_self interest_.

By _gratification_ was likewise meant the accumulation of a certain sum, which was deposited for the specific purpose of burying a deceased soldier.

_Gratification_ signified, among the French, in a more extended sense of the word, a public reward given to a body of soldiers on the recommendation of a general, for some signal act of bravery in the day of battle. When this happened the soldiers had a certain sum of money distributed amongst them, and the officers received annual pensions.

GRATIFICATION likewise means a certain allowance in money which is made to prisoners of war. The British officers in France have been allowed 6_d._ per day, and the non-commissioned and soldiers 1¹⁄₂_d._ the officers have also 1_s._ 6_d._ in lieu of rations.

GRATTER _un Vaisseau_, _Fr._ to clean or careen a ship.

GRATTER _en maconnerie_, _Fr._ to restore the original appearance of a wall or building by grating the superficies with a trowel, or any other iron instrument.

GRAVEURS, _Fr._ Persons employed and paid by the founders of cannon for repairing damaged pieces of artillery. Some individual, however, was distinguished by the name of _Graveur de l’Artillerie_, Engraver to the Artillery, and was permitted, by the Grand Master of the Ordnance, to exhibit over his shop-door the arms of the royal artillery.

GRAVITY.--_Table of the Specific gravity of several Solid and Fluid bodies._

Platina 23400
Fine gold 19640
Standard gold 18888
Quick silver 11325
Fine silver 11091
Standard silver 10535
Copper 9000
Copper halfpence 8915
Gun metal 8784
Cast brass 8000
Steel 7850
Iron 7645
Cast iron 7425
Tin 7320
Crystal glass 3150
Marble 2700
Common green glass 2600
Flint 2570
Common stone 2520
Clay 2160
Brick 2000
Common earth 1984
Nitre 1900
Ivory 1825
Brimstone 1810
Solid gunpowder 1745
Sand 1520
Coal 1250
Boxwood 1030
Sea water 1030
Common water 1000
Oak 925
Gunpowder, close stacken 937
Do. in loose heap 836
Ash 800
Maple 755
Elm 600
Fir 550
Charcoal
Cork 240
Air 1.232

The several sorts of wood are supposed dry.

This table also contains the weight of a cubic foot of each body in avoirdupois ounces; from whence results the following rules:

1. _To find the magnitude of any body from its Weight._

As the tabular specific gravity of the body,

Is to its weight in avoirdupois ounces.

So is one cubic foot, or 1728 cubic inches,

To its contents in feet or inches respectively.

2. _To find the weight of a body from its magnitude._

As one cubic foot, or 1728 cubic inches,

Is to the content of the body,

So is the tabular specific gravity

To the weight of the body.

GRAVOIS, _Fr._ rubbish.

GREAT _fortification_. One of the divisions of the first system of M. de Vauban.--It consists in a fortification whose exterior side is from 185 to 260 toises, or from 370 to 520 yards, and is seldom adopted but towards a river or a marsh.

GREAT _radius_. The whole oblique radius. See FORTIFICATION.

GRECIAN _fire_, _feu Gregeois_, _Fr._ a sort of artificial fire, which insinuates itself beyond the surface of the sea, and which burns with increased violence when it mixes with that element. Its directions are contrary to the course of natural fire; for the flames will spread themselves downwards, to the right or left, agreeably to the movement that is given. It is composed or made up of naphtha, sulphur, bitumen, gum and pitch; and it can only be extinguished by vinegar mixed with urine and sand, or with undressed leather or green hides. Some writers assert, that it was invented by an engineer (belonging to Heliopolis, a town in Syria,) whose name was Gallinicus, and who used it with so much skill and effect during a naval engagement, that he destroyed a whole fleet belonging to the enemy, upon which were embarked 30,000 men. This combustible matter has retained the name of Grecian fire, because the Greeks first practised the invention. It is asserted indeed, that the secret of making Grecian fire, which should be unextinguishable, has been long since lost; _we say unextinguishable_, because the ancients did nor know, as we do, how to repress or put out the flame.

According to the author of _Oeuvres Militaires_, a powerful composition, which could only be extinguished by strong vinegar (a secret unknown to the ancients) might be made of the following combustible materials: viz. pitch, rosin, tallow, camphor, turpentine, salt of nitre, liquid varnish, oil of sulphur, linseed, rock oil, flax, charcoal finely pulverized; the whole of which being boiled together, and before it grows cold, mixed with quick lime: a consistence is formed that will be susceptible of the most subtle and destructive fire.

GRENADES, GRANADES or GRENADOES, in the art of war, are hollow balls or shells of iron or other metal, about 2¹⁄₂ inches diameter, which being filled with fine powder, are set on fire by means of a small fuse, driven into the fuse-hole, made of well seasoned beech wood, and formerly thrown by the _grenadiers_ into places where men stood thick, and particularly into the trenches and other lodgments made by the enemy. As soon as the composition within the fuse gets to the powder in the grenade, it bursts into many pieces, greatly to the injury of all who happen to be in its way. Grenades were first made about the time shells were invented (which see) and first used in 1594. Grenades have much sunk into disuse; but nothing is more effectual than grenades thrown into the midst of the enemy, who have jumped into the ditch. During the siege of Cassel, under the Count de Lippe, in the campaign of 1762, a young engineer undertook to carry one of the outworks, with a much smaller detachment than had before attempted it without success. He gained his object with ease, from the use of grenades; which is a proof that they should not be neglected, either in the attack or defence of posts.

GRENADE, _grenade_, _Fr._ There is a sort of grenade which is thrown out of a mortar.

It is sometimes used for the purpose of annoying the besieging enemy; in which case quantities are rolled down the rampart into the fossé, or ditch, upon the workmen or miners.

A grenade resembles a bomb or shell, with this only difference, that the grenade has not any handles to it.

There are some grenades, called _grenades à main_ hand-grenades, whose calibre is equal to that of a four pounder. The charge is from five to six ounces of gunpowder, or thereabouts. They are extremely serviceable on many occasions: but particularly so to throw among the men that are working in the trenches; numbers of whom they must inevitably wound. The vent of a hand-grenade contains about six lines, or half an inch.

The following proportions belonged to grenades, according to their several diameters in former times; they have been much improved.

Grenades whose calibre is equal to that of a 33 pounder, contain about 6 French inches or more diameter, 8 lines in thickness, and 16 pounds in weight.

Grenades whose calibre is equal to that of a 24 pounder, contain 5 French inches 5 lines diameter, six lines in thickness, and 12 pounds in weight.

Grenades whose calibre is equal to that of a 16 pounder, contain 4 French inches 9 lines diameter, 5 lines in thickness and 8 pounds in weight.

Those that weigh 6 pounds, have 3 French inches 5 lines diameter, and are 5 lines thick.

Those that weigh 5 pounds, have 3 French inches 2¹⁄₄ lines diameter, and are 5 lines thick.

Those that weigh 3 pounds, have 2 French inches 8 lines diameter, and are 4¹⁄₂ lines thick.

Those that weigh 2 pounds, have 2 French inches 4 lines diameter, and are 4 lines thick.

Those that weigh 1 pound, have 1 French inch ten lines diameter, and are 3 lines thick.

Those that weigh three quarters of a pound, have 1 French inch 8 lines diameter, and are 3 lines thick.