Part 500

Tournaments had their origin from the ancient gladiatory combats, and not from the usage of the northern people, as is commonly believed. In Cicero’s time they were called by the Greek name Anabatis; because their helmet in a great measure obstructed their seeing.

TOURNEE, Fr. A circuitous journey made for the purpose of inspection, &c.

Le Général fit une TOURNEE pour examiner les avant postes. The general went round to examine the outposts.

TOURNE à gauche, Fr. A tool used by carpenters, masons, and other artizans, in turning screws, saws, &c.

TOURNER, Fr. To turn. In military matters it signifies to get upon the flank or in the rear of any object you propose to attack.

TOURNER un ouvrage, Fr. In fortification, to turn a work. This is effected by cutting off its communication with the main body of the place, and taking possession of the gorge. Tourner le flanc, to turn the flank. Tourner l’aile droite ou l’aile gauche, to turn the right or left wing. Tourner un poste, une montagne, to get into the rear of a post, mountain, &c.

TOURNIQUET, Fr. A turnstile. It likewise signifies a swivel or iron ring.

TOURNIQUET, Fr. Among artificers, a species of firework composed of two fusees, which, when set fire to, produces the same effect as the Soleil Tournant.

TOURNIQUET, (Tourniquet, Fr.) In surgery, an instrument made of rollers, compresses, screws, &c. for compressing any wounded part so as to stop hæmorrhages.

The common Tourniquet is very simple, consisting only of a roller, which, with the help of a small stick, serves to stop the effusion of blood from large arteries, in amputation, by forcibly tying up the limb. The things required in this operation are, a roller of a thumb’s breadth, and of an ell in length; a small cylindrical stick, a conglomerated bandage, two fingers thick and four long; some compresses of a good length, and about three or four fingers breadth, to surround the legs and arms, and a square piece of strong paper or leather, about four fingers wide. By the British regulations published in 1799, for the better management of the sick in regimental hospitals, every surgeon and assistant surgeon is directed to have, among other surgical instruments, a certain number of tourniquets; and serjeants, &c. are to be taught the method of using it.

In May, 1798, two tourniquets were directed to be sent to each English regiment, the rest are to be made by the men of the regiment; and besides one to each person who will be taught the use of it, it is necessary to have four for every hundred men.

The non-commissioned officers, band, and drummers of every regiment, are to be taught the manner of applying it according to instructions sent down from the surgeon general’s department.

TOURNOIS, Fr. Tournament.

TOURS Mobiles, Fr. Moveable towers. These were made use of in remote ages; and although the invention of them has been attributed by some to the Greeks and by others to the Romans, it does not belong to either; for we read of moveable towers in Ezekiel. The curious may derive much information on this head from the Chevalier Folard in his translation of Polybius, page 536, tom. ii. See MOVEABLE TOWERS.

TOURS bastionnees, Fr. See TOWER BASTIONS.

TOURS isolees, Fr. Detached towers; such as are made in forts, or stand upon the coast to serve for lighthouses.

TOURS terrieres, Fr. Large pieces of wood which are used in mechanical operations to convey or remove heavy burthens.

La TOURBE menue, Fr. The common people, the rabble.

TOURBILLON, Fr. Whirlwind, vortex. The French likewise call a water-spout by this name.

TOURBILLON de feu, Fr. See SOLEIL MONTANT.

TOURELLE, Fr. A turret.

TOURILLON, Fr. A sort of pivot upon which several machines, such as draw-bridges, &c. are made to turn.

TOURILLONS. See TRUNNIONS.

TOURMENTE, Fr. A violent storm.

TOURTEAU Goudronné, Fr. Old rope which is untwisted, steeped in pitch or tar, and afterwards left to dry. It is used in fosses and other places during a siege. The French make the Tourteau Goudronné in the following manner.--Take 12 pounds of tar or pitch, 6 ditto of tallow or grease, which put to 3 pints of linseed oil, and boil the whole together. You then take old matches, or twisted pieces of rope of any length you want, and let them soak in the boiling liquor. If you wish to prevent them from burning too fast, add six pounds of rosin and two of turpentine.

TOUT le monde haute, Fr. A French word of command at sea which corresponds with our sea phrase, Pipe! all hands up.

TOUT le monde bas, Fr. A French word of command at sea which corresponds with Pipe! all hands down.

TOUTE volee, Fr. Random shot.