Abydus. An ancient city of Mysia on the Hellespont nearly opposite Sestus on the European shore. Near this town Xerxes placed the bridge of boats by which his troops were conveyed across the channel to the town of Sestus, 480 B.C.
Abyssinia. A country of Eastern Africa, forming an elevated table-land and containing many fertile valleys. Theodore II., the king of this country, having maltreated and imprisoned some English subjects, an expedition under Lord Napier was sent against him from Bombay in 1867. On April 14, 1868, the mountain fortress of Magdala was stormed and taken with but little trouble, and Theodore was found dead on the hill, having killed himself. The country is at present governed by Emperor John of Ethiopia, who was crowned in 1872.
Academies, Military. See [Military Academies].
Accelerator. A cannon in which several charges are successively fired to give an increasing velocity to the projectile while moving in the bore. See [Multi-charge Gun].
Accessible. Easy of access or approach. A place or fort is said to be accessible when it can be approached with a hostile force by land or sea.
Accintus. A word in ancient times signifying the complete accoutrements of a soldier.
Accolade. The ceremonious act of conferring knighthood in ancient times. It consisted of an embrace and gentle blow with the sword on the shoulder of the person on whom the honor of knighthood was being conferred.
Accord. The conditions under which a fortress or command of troops is surrendered.
Accoutre. To furnish with accoutrements.
Accoutrements. Dress, equipage, trappings. Specifically, the equipments of a soldier, except arms and clothing.