Part 386

PRIEST’s-cap. See FORTIFICATION and BONNET.

PRIME, a word of command used in the platoon exercise. See MANUAL.

PRIME and load, a word of command used in the exercise of a battalion, company, or squad. See MANUAL.

PRIME parade, in fencing, is formed by dropping the point of your sword to the right, bending your elbow, and drawing the back of your sword hand to within a foot of your forehead, in a line with your left temple, so that your blade shall carry the thrust of your antagonist clear of the inside or left of your position.

PRIME thrust, a thrust applicable after forming the above parade, and delivered at the inside of the antagonist. To obtain an opening for this thrust, it is necessary to step out of the line to the right as you parry, or else to oppose the sword of your antagonist with your left hand. The first method is most eligible.

PRIME Hanging Guard, with the broadsword, a position in which the hand is brought somewhat to the left, in order to secure that side of the face and body. See BROADSWORD.

PRIMING, in Gunnery, the train of powder that is laid, from the opening of the vent, along the gutter or channel, on the upper part of the breech of the gun, which, when fired, conveys the flame to the vent, by which it is further communicated to the charge, in order to discharge the piece. This operation is only used on ship-board, at the proof, and sometimes in garrison; for on all other occasions, tubes are used for that purpose.

PRIMING, or prime of a gun, is the gunpowder put in the pan or touch-hole of a piece, to give it fire thereby.

PRIMING-case, a small tin case, about the size and shape of a cartridge, for the purpose of keeping a certain quantity of gunpowder, for priming, constantly ready and dry. This rational and econonomical invention, should be universally adopted.

PRIMING position. See Platoon exercise under MANUAL.

PRIMING-wire, in gunnery, a sort of iron needle employed to penetrate the vent or touch-hole of a piece of ordnance, when it is loaded, in order to discover whether the powder contained therein is thoroughly dry, and fit for immediate service; as likewise to search the vent and penetrate the cartridge, when the guns are not loaded with loose powder.

PRIMIPILARII, PRIMOPILARII, or PRIMIPILARES, among the Romans were such as had formerly borne the office of primipulus of a legion. The banner was entrusted to his care. Among other privileges which the primipilarii enjoyed, they became heirs to what little property was left by the soldiers who died in the campaign.

PRIMIPILAIRE, Fr. See PRIMIPILARII.

PRIMIPULUS, the centurion belonging to the first cohort of a legion. He had charge of the Roman eagle.

PRIMITIVES, Fr. Primitive colors are distinguished by this term among the French. They are, the yellow, the red, and the blue; white and black being the extremes.

PRINCIPES, (Princes, Fr.) Roman soldiers. They consisted of the strongest and most active men in the infantry, and were armed like the Hastati, with this difference, that the former had half-pikes instead of whole ones.

PRINCIPLE, according to the schools, is that from which any thing is done or known.

PRINCIPLE also denotes the foundations of arts and sciences.

Military PRINCIPLES, the basis or ground work upon which every military movement is made, and by which every operation is conducted.

PRISAGE, that share which belongs to the king or admiral out of such merchandises, &c. as are lawfully taken at sea.

PRIS, Fr. This word is variously used by the French, in a figurative and proverbial sense. C’est autant de pris sur l’ennemi. An expression signifying that some advantage, at least, has been gained.

Une Ville PRISE, Fr. a town which has been taken.

PRISE des dehors d’une place, Fr. The taking possession of an enemy’s outworks.

PRISES, Fr. Prizes.

PRISES sur l’ennemi, Fr. Every thing taken from the enemy is so called.

PRISONNIERS de guerre, Fr. prisoners of war.

PRISONERS of war, those of the enemy who are taken in or after a battle, siege, &c. They are deprived of their liberty at large, until exchanged, or sent on parole.

PRIVILEGE, is any kind of right or advantage which is attached to a person or employment exclusive of others.