A Military Dictionary and Gazetteer / Comprising ancient and modern military technical terms, historical accounts of all North American Indians, as well as ancient warlike tribes; also notices of battles from the earliest period to the present time, with a concise explanation of terms used in heraldry and the offices thereof. The work also gives valuable geographical information. Compiled from the best authorities of all nations. With an appendix containing the Articles of war, etc.

by Thomas Wilhelm

Brevet. To confer rank or title upon by brevet.

Brevetcy. The rank or condition of a brevet.

Bricole. An improved kind of traces used by the French in drawing and manœuvring artillery; analogous to the old drag-rope, but having the addition of a leather strap or girdle with a buckle, to which the drag is affixed, and an iron ring and hook at the end to drag by.

Bridge. A structure usually of wood, stone, brick, or iron, erected over a river or other water-course, or over a ravine, railroad, etc., to make a continuous roadway from one bank to the other.

Bridge. In gunnery, two pieces of timber which go between the two transoms of a gun-carriage. Not used in the U. S. service.

Bridge, Flying. See [Pontons].

Bridge, Trail. See [Pontons].

Bridge, Train. See [Equipage].

Bridge, Trestle. See [Trestle Bridge].

Bridges. When a river is more than 4 feet in depth, or when its bottom is of mud or quicksand, recourse must be had either to ferrying by means of boats, rafts, etc., or to military bridges. The latter are always to be preferred when circumstances will permit their establishment.