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

Dispose. To dispose cannon, is to place it in such a manner that its discharge may do the greatest mischief.

Disposition. In a general sense, is the just placing of an army or body of men upon the most advantageous ground, and in the strongest situation, for a vigorous attack or defense.

Disposition de Guerre (Fr.). Warlike arrangement or disposition. Under this head may be considered the mode of establishing, combining, conducting, and finally terminating a war, so as to produce success and victory.

Disrespect to a Commanding Officer. See Appendix, [Articles of War], [20].

Disrespectful Words. See Appendix, [Articles of War], [19].

Distance. In military formation, signifies the relative space which is left between men standing under arms in rank, or the interval which appears between those ranks.

Distance of the Bastion. In fortification, is the term applied to the exterior polygon.

Distances of Objects. See [Pointing].

Distribution. Means, generally, any division or allotment made for the purposes of war; also minor arrangements made for the supply of corps.

District, Military. One of those portions into which a country is divided, for the convenience of command, and to insure a co-operation between distant bodies of troops.