Donjon, or Dungeon. The principal tower or keep of a castle or fortress. It was so called either from being placed on a dun or elevation, natural or artificial, or because, from its position, it dominated or commanded the other parts of the fortress. From the circumstance that the lower or under-ground story of the donjon was used as a prison, has come the modern meaning of the word dungeon.
Doolee. A palanquin litter, used in Indian armies, to carry sick and wounded men.
Dormans. In Northeast France. The Huguenots and their allies under Montmorency were here defeated by the Duke of Guise, October 10, 1575.
Dormant. (Fr.). Sleeping. In heraldic representation, an animal dormant has its head resting on its fore-paws, whereas an animal [couchant] has its head erect.
Dornach. A village of Switzerland, 20 miles northeast from Soleure, remarkable for the victory obtained by the Swiss over the Austrians, July 22, 1499, and which gave Switzerland her independence.
Dorogoboozh, Dorogobush, or Dorogobouge. A town of Russia, in the government of Smolensk. At this place the French were defeated by the Russians, October 12, 1812.
Dosser. In military matters, is a sort of basket, carried on the shoulders of men, used in carrying the earth from one part of a fortification to another, where it is required.
Dossière (Fr.). Back-piece of a cuirass.
Douai, or Douay. A fortified town of France, on the small river Scarpe, 18 miles south from Lille. This place was taken from the Flemings by Philip the Fair in 1297; restored by Charles V. in 1368. It reverted to Spain, from whom it was taken by Louis XIV. in 1667. It was captured by the allies, under the Duke of Marlborough and Prince Eugène, in 1710, but was retaken by the French, September 8, 1712.
Double. To unite, as ranks or files, so as to form one. To double upon, to inclose between two fires.