mär′tial law: the military administration which when proclaimed takes the place of civil law in time of war or disorder.

mĭl′i ta ry law: the laws by which an army and its affairs are governed. Military law differs from martial law in that the former is a permanent code for the government of the army and the latter is the application of the laws of war to all the people in a certain district.

mīne: an explosive charge, sunken in the earth or under water, for the purpose of destroying an enemy passing over it,—formerly exploded by contact or by a fuse, but now usually exploded by electricity.

ôrd′nance: military supplies.

ŏr′i flămme: a standard or ensign in battle, especially the ancient royal banner of France.

out′post: a post or station outside the limits of a camp, for observation or to guard against surprise.

pa rōled′: set at liberty on parole, or word of honor not to bear arms against the captors.

pĕr′emp to ry: authoritative; not admitting of debate or question.

pĭck′ets: soldiers stationed on the outskirts of a camp to warn against the enemy’s approach.

pīkes: soldiers’ weapons, consisting of wooden staves with steel points. In recent warfare, pikes have been superceded by bayonets.