Bombardment.—Throwing shot or shells into a fort or earthwork.
Canister.—A tin cylinder filled with cast-iron shot. When the gun is fired, the cylinder bursts and scatters the shot over a wide surface of ground.
Caisson.—An artillery carriage, containing ammunition for immediate use.
Casemate.—A covered chamber in fortifications, protected by earth from shot and shells.
Columbiad.—A cannon, invented by Colonel Bomford, of very large calibre, used for throwing shot or shells. A ten-inch columbiad weighs 15,400 pounds, and is ten and a half feet long.
Column.—A position in which troops may be placed. A column en route is the order in which they march from one part of the country to another. A column of attack is the order in which they go into battle.
Countersign.—A particular word given out by the highest officer in command, intrusted to guards, pickets, and sentinels, and to those who may have occasion to pass them.
Embrasure.—An opening cut in embankments for the muzzles of the cannon.
Enfilade.—To sweep the whole length of the inside of a fortification or a line of troops.
Field-Works.—An embankment of earth excavated from a ditch surrounding a town or a fort.