Croatia. A province of the Austro-Hungarian monarchy. This region was anciently inhabited by the Pannonians, who were conquered by the Romans in the reign of Augustus. It was conquered by Coloman, king of Hungary, in 1102, and was with that country united to Austria in 1526.
Croats. In military history, light irregular troops were so called; generally people of Croatia. They were ordered upon all desperate services, and their method of fighting was the same as the Pandours.
Crochert. A hagbut or hand-cannon, anciently in use.
Cronstadt. A seaport and fortress of Russia, about 20 miles west from St. Petersburg. It was founded by Peter the Great in 1710, the island having been taken from the Swedes by him in 1703. A Swedish fleet was defeated here by the Russians in 1790, and in 1855 an English fleet, commanded by Sir Charles Napier, proceeded to the Baltic, with the view of taking this place or destroying its fortifications; but either from the inadequacy of the means placed at his disposal, or from the great strength of the forts, no attempt was made upon them.
Cropedy Bridge. Near Banbury, Oxfordshire, England. Here the royalists defeated Sir William Waller and the army of Parliament, June 29, 1644.
Cross-belts. Belts worn over both shoulders, and crossing the breast.
Cross-bow. A weapon formerly used in discharging arrows, formed by placing a bow crosswise on a stock.
Crossen. A town of the Prussian province of Brandenburg. In 1758 this place was taken by the Russians.
Cross-fire. The crossing of lines of fire from two or more points or places.
Cross, Victoria. See [Victoria Cross].