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

Disembarkation. The act of landing troops from a boat or ship. The term has lately been applied to the act of quitting a railway train.

Disembody. To disarm a military body, and to dispense with its services.

Disengage. To separate the wings of a battalion or regiment, which is necessary when the battalion countermarches from its centre and on its centre by files. It likewise means to clear a column or line which may have lost its proper front by the overlapping of any particular division. It also signifies to extricate oneself and the troops commanded from a critical situation. It likewise means to break suddenly from any particular order in line or column, and to repair to some rallying-point.

Disengage. In fencing, means to quit that side of an adversary’s blade on which one is opposed by his guard, in order to effect a cut or thrust where an opportunity may present.

Disgarnish. To take guns from a fortress.

Disgarrison. To deprive of a garrison.

Dishelm. To deprive of the helmet; to take the helmet from.

Dish of a Wheel. Is the inclination outward of the spokes when fastened in the nave.

Dislodge. To drive an enemy from a position.

Dismantle. To render fortifications incapable of defense, or cannon unserviceable.