Part 507

TRINOMIAL, or TRINOMIAL root, in mathematics, is a root consisting of three parts, connected together by the signs + or -, as x + y + z, or x - y - z.

TRINQUET, Fr. A word used in the Levant to signify the mizen or foremast of a ship.

TRINQUETTE, Fr. A sail used on board the ships in the Levant, which is of a triangular shape.

TRIOMPHE, Fr. See TRIUMPH.

Arc de TRIOMPHE, Fr. A triumphal arch.

TRIPASTE, Fr. A machine which consists of three pullies, and is used in raising of heavy weights.

TRIQUE, Fr. A large cudgel.

TRIQUE-BAL, Fr. A sling cart or machine which is used to convey pieces of ordnance from one quarter to another.

TRIREME, Fr. A galley with three benches for rowers.

TRISECTION, (Trisection, Fr.) The division of a thing into three. The term is chiefly used in geometry for the partition of an angle into three equal parts.

The trisection of an angle geometrically, is one of those great problems whose solution has been so much sought by mathematicians; being in this respect on a footing with the quadrature of the circle, and the duplicature of the cube angle.

TRIUMPH. A solemnity practised by the ancient Romans, to do honor to a victorious general.

There were two sorts of triumphs, the greater and the lesser, particularly called ovation; of these the triumph was by much the more splendid procession. None were capable of this honor but the dictator, consuls, and prætors; though there are examples to the contrary, as particularly in Pompey the Great, who had a triumph decreed him when he was only a Roman knight, and had not yet reached the senatorial age.

The triumph was the most pompous show among the ancients: authors usually attribute its invention to Bacchus, and tell us, that he first triumphed upon the conquest of the Indies; and yet this ceremony was only in use among the Romans. The Grecians had a custom which resembled the Roman triumph; for the conquerors used to make a procession through the middle of their city, crowned with garlands, repeating hymns and songs, and brandishing their spears: their captives were also led by them, and all their spoils exposed to public view. The order of a Roman triumph was chiefly thus: the senate having decreed the general a triumph, and appointed a day, they went out of the city gate and marched in order with him through the city. The cavalcade was led up by the musicians, who had crowns on their heads; and after them came several chariots with plans and maps of the cities and countries subdued, done in relievo: they were followed by the spoils taken from the enemy; their horses, arms, gold, silver, machines, tents, &c. After these came the kings, princes, or generals subdued, loaded with chains, and followed by mimics or buffoons, who exulted over their misfortunes. Next came the officers of the conquering troops, with crowns on their heads. Then appeared the triumphal chariot, in which was the conqueror, richly clad in a purple robe, embroidered with gold, setting forth his glorious atchievements. His buskins were beset with pearl, and he wore a crown, which at first was only laurel, but afterwards gold; one hand held a laurel branch, the other a truncheon. His children were sometimes at his feet, and sometimes on the chariot-horses. As the triumphal chariot passed along, the people strewed flowers before it. The music played in praise of the conqueror, amidst the loud acclamations of the people, crying, to triumph. The chariot was followed by the senate clad in white robes; and the senate by such citizens as had been set at liberty or ransomed. The procession was closed by the sacrifices, and their officers and utensils, with a white ox led along for the chief victim. In the mean time all the temples were open, and the altars were loaded with offerings and incense; games and combats were celebrated in the public places, and rejoicings appeared every where.

TRIUMVIRI, or TRESVIRI CAPITALES. Men employed among the ancient Romans to preserve the public peace, &c. For particulars, see Kennett’s Roman Antiquities, page 121. They likewise signify the three persons, Cæsar, Crassus, and Pompey, who seized on the government of the republic, and divided it among them. Hence,

TRIUMVIRATE (Triumvirat, Fr.) An absolute government administered by three persons with equal authority. There are two triumvirates particularly recorded in history: Pompey, Cæsar, and Crassus, who had all served the republic as generals of marked reputation, in the first instance; and Augustus, Mark Antony, and Lepidus, in the second.

TROCHLEA. One of the mechanical powers usually called a pulley.

TROCHOID, in mathematics. The same as cycloid.

TROCHOLIQUE, Fr. A name used among the French for that branch of mathematics which treats of circular movements.

TROMBE, Fr. A water-spout. It is likewise called Siphon or Syphon.

TROMPE, Fr. In architecture; an arch which grows wider towards the top.

TROMPES, Fr. In artificial fireworks; a collection of pots à feu, or fire-pots so arranged, that upon the first being inflamed, a ready communication takes place with the rest, and the explosion is successively effected.

TROMPETTE, Fr. This word, which signifies trumpet, is applied by the French, not only to the instrument, but to the man who blows it; in the same manner that we say fifes and drums, for fifers and drummers; but we do not say trumpet for trumpeter. Trompette, when used in this sense, is of the masculine gender.

TROMPETTE sonnante, Fr. With sound of trumpet, or trumpet sounding.

TROMPETTE parlante, Fr. A speaking trumpet. This instrument is generally used at sea; and owes its invention to an Englishman.

Deloger sans TROMPETTE, Fr. To steal away, to take French leave.

TROMPILLON, Fr. The diminutive of trompe. A term used in architecture, which owes its origin to the resemblance that exists between the wide part of a trumpet, and the arch or vault so called.

TROOP, in cavalry. A certain number of men on horseback who form a component part of a squadron. It is the same, with respect to formation, as company in the infantry. When a troop dismounts and acts on foot, it is still called a troop.