The system of purchase of commissions in the army was abolished by an Act of Parliament introduced by Mr. Cardwell in 1871.
Arrabiati.
The party of the Medici, during the existence of the Florentine Republic, established in 1493.
Arras, Congress of.
The first instance of a congress of the European Powers, held at Arras in 1435. All the leading States were represented, and an attempt was made to settle the peace of Europe, but the rival claims of France and England, the two countries most immediately concerned, proved irreconcilable, and no solution was arrived at.
Arras, Treaty of.
During the Congress of Arras, in 1435, France succeeded in detaching Burgundy from the English alliance, and a treaty was signed by which the Duke of Burgundy acknowledged the sovereignty of Charles VII, but stipulated that he himself should be freed from personal homage during his own and Charles’ lifetime. In return his claim was admitted to the Boulonnais, and he received Mâcon, Arcis-sur-Aube and Auxerre. Burgundy renounced the English alliance, and France that of the Emperor.
Arrière Fief.
Land held by the vassal of a vassal is an arrière fief of the overlord.