Part 516

VERGE Rhinlandique, Fr. The Rhinland rod; a measure which is equal to two French toises, or to 12 French feet. It is often used by Dutch engineers, in the measuring of works in a fortification.

VERGE d’or, Fr. The same as arbalete, arbalestrille, or Jacob’s staff; in astronomy, a beam of light.

VERGES, Fr. Rods.

Passer par les VERGES, Fr. A punishment which was formerly practised among the French. The same as running the gauntlet. See PUNITIONS CORPORELLES.

VERGES, Fr. Twigs or branches measuring from ten to twelve feet in length, which are used in making fascines.

VERNIS, Fr. Varnish.

VEROLE, Fr. Great pox, which see. Notwithstanding the prevalence of this disorder in France, and throughout Europe, it is reckoned so dreadful a visitation, that the French have a familiar proverb which says, Si tu ne crains pas Dieu, au moins crains la verole; if thou art not afraid of God, dread, at least, the pox. Vaccine should be introduced in all armies.

VERRE pour prendre hauteur, Fr. A thick colored glass, through which an observation is taken of the sun.

VERRE pilé, Fr. Broken pieces of glass, which are sometimes used in artificial fire-works.

VERRIN, Fr. A machine which is used to raise large weights; such as cannon, &c.

VERROU, Fr. A bolt.

VERSER, Fr. To spill, to shed.

VERSER son sang pour la patrie, Fr. To shed one’s blood for the country.

VERTICAL, (vertical, Fr.) Perpendicular.

VERTICAL point, (point vertical, Fr.) A term used in astronomy, to express an imaginary point in the heavens, which is supposed to fall perpendicularly upon our heads.

VESTIBULE, Fr. Porch; entry; hall.

VESTIBULE, (vestibule, Fr.) In fortification, is that space or covered ground which is in front of guard houses, and is generally supported by pillars. In a more general sense, any large open space before the door or entrance of a house. Daviler derives the word from vestes and ambulo, by reason people there begin to let their trains fall. It is properly the outer hall in which persons were accustomed to take off their outer garments or great coats.

VETERAN, (veteran, Fr.) This word comes from the Latin veteranus, a soldier in the Roman militia, who was grown old in the service, or who had made a certain number of campaigns, and on that account was entitled to certain benefits and privileges.

Twenty years service were sufficient to entitle a man to the benefit of a veteran. These privileges consisted in being absolved from the military oath, in being excused all the duties and functions of a soldier, and in being allowed a certain salary or appointment.

A French soldier is entitled to the honorable name of veteran, after he has served twenty-four years, without any break in his service,

VETERANCE, Fr. The state, condition of an old soldier.

Lettre de VETERANCE, Fr. The document or letter which enables an old soldier to claim the rights and privileges of a veteran.

VETERINAIRE, Fr. See VETERINARY.

Ecole VETERINAIRE, Fr. Veterinary school.

VETERINARIAN, (Veterinarius, Lat.) One skilled in the diseases of cattle; a farrier, or horse doctor.

VETERINARY, Appertaining to the science of taking care of cattle.

VETERINARY surgeon. The surgeon appointed to take care of the horses in a cavalry or dragoon regiment is so called. He is subordinate and accountable to the veterinary college.

VETILLES, Fr. This word literally signifies trifles. In artificial fire-works they are small serpentine compositions, confined within a single roll of paper. They have generally three lines in diameter.