Part 366

PIQUIER, Fr. a pikeman, or one who is armed with a pike.

PIRAMIDE, Fr. See PYRAMID.

PIRAMIDES de feu, Fr. See JETS DE FEU.

PIRATE, Fr. a pirate.

PISTE, Fr. the track or tread a horseman makes upon the ground he goes over.

PISTOL, a species of small fire-arms, of which there are various sorts and sizes, viz.

Highland PISTOL. The old Highland pistol appears singular enough in the present day. Some that have been preserved, exhibit marks of excellent workmanship. The stock is metal, and the but end so shaped, that when fired off, the pistol can be used as a very serious weapon at close quarters. The Highland pistol, though never used by any of the British regiments, is still worn by every person who wishes to be considered as fully dressed and accoutred in the ancient garb. It is suspended from the left side of the waistbelt.

Horse-PISTOL, so called from being used on horseback, and of a large size.

Management of the PISTOL on horseback for military purposes. Every recruit when he joins the horse-drill should be made perfectly acquainted with the handling of his pistols according to rule, and of firing correctly at a mark. To this end he must be taught to draw, load, fire, and return his pistol, by word of command, viz.

1st. The right glove is to be taken off, and the goat-skin thrown back.

Draw right PISTOL. This is done at two motions; 1st, the man must seize the handle of the pistol with his right hand, the back towards the body. 2d, Draw it out of the holster with a brisk motion, dropping the butt of the pistol on the right holster, and keeping the muzzle upwards.

Load PISTOL. The pistol is to be dropped smartly into the left hand; open the pan, prime, cast about, and load; as soon as loaded, seize the pistol by the butt, and come to the same position as in the second motion in drawing; the bridle hand must be kept as steady as possible. In loading the pistol, the barrel is to be kept to the front.

Return PISTOL. This is done in two motions: 1st, turn the muzzle into the holster, with the back of the hand towards the body, and press home the pistol. 2d, Quit the right hand briskly.

Cock PISTOL. Drop the pistol into the left hand, cocking with the thumb of the right, and as soon as done come to the second position, viz. muzzle upwards.

To the right aim. Come smartly to an aim, looking well along the barrel to the object you are aiming at, and turning your body as much as is necessary to aim well, but taking care not to displace your bridle hand.

Fire! pull briskly at the word, and as soon as fired go on with the loading motions; when loaded come to the position as in the first direction, viz. muzzle upwards.

Cock Pistol, as already explained.

To the left aim. This requires particular attention, as the men will be apt to bring their right shoulders too forward, and by that means displace their bodies and the bridle hand.

Fire! as already explained.

Cock PISTOL. To the front aim. You must raise yourself in your stirrups, in order to take a proper aim; you must then look well along the pistol, and wait for the word fire.

Fire! As soon as you have fired, you must drop into your seat, and go on with the loading motions, as before directed.

Return Pistol, as already explained.

Draw left PISTOL, See Draw your right Pistol.

Pocket PISTOL, a small pistol, which may be conveniently carried in the pocket.

PISTOLETS, Fr. See PISTOLS.

PITANS, PATAN, Ind. according to Mr. Orme, in his History of the Carnatic, the Pitans are supposed to be the descendants of the northern Indians, who were early converted to Mahomedanism. They have been reckoned the best troops. They are habitually fierce.

PITAN Nabobs. Certain chiefs in India so called, viz. of Cudapa, Canoul, and Savanore.

PITAUX, Fr. This word is sometimes written petaux, and was formerly used to distinguish those peasants that were pressed into the service, from soldiers who were regularly inlisted.