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

Equestrian. A man who rides on horseback; a horseman; a rider.

Equestrian Order. Among the Romans, signified their knights or equites; as, also, their troopers or horsemen in the field.

Equip, To. To furnish an individual, a corps, or an army with everything that is requisite for military service, such as arms, accoutrements, uniforms, etc.

Equipage. In military matters, is the name given to the necessaries of the soldier. The equipment of a private is often used as a name for the whole of his clothes, arms, and accoutrements, collectively. The equipage of the camp is of two kinds, [camp] and [field] equipage.

Equipments, Cannoneers’. Include the [hausse] pouch, [cartridge] pouches, [primer] pouches, and [thumb-stall], used in the field service. The equipments for a field-piece are the [tampion] and strap, [vent] cover and tarpaulin. Other things used in service of cannon are called [implements], which see.

Equipments, Horse. In the mounted service, comprise the [bridle], halter, watering bridle, [saddle], [saddle-bags], [saddle blanket], [nose-bag], [lariat], curry-comb, brush, etc.

Equipments, Infantry. Comprise the personal outfit of the soldier, excluding arms proper and clothing. A set of equipments is called a [kit] (which see). The standard equipments for infantry include the [knapsack], [belts], and plates, [cartridge-box], [bayonet-scabbard], [haversack], and [canteen]. The knapsack, haversack, and canteen are only used in marching. In the United States there is a strong tendency towards discarding the knapsack; a roll made of the blanket, piece of shelter-tent, or overcoat, being frequently used instead. A clothing-bag is also sometimes used to take its place. The best manner of arranging and slinging the various articles carried, for the comfort and health of the soldier, is still an open question. In future wars it is probable that an intrenching tool will be added to the soldier’s equipment. The equipments for a cavalry soldier in the United States are very much the same as for infantry.

Equipments, Signal. The [flags], [staffs], [flying torches], fort [torches], flame shades, [haversacks], telescopes, etc., used in signaling. A set of equipments for one man is called a signal kit.

Equites. An order of equestrian knights introduced among the Romans by Romulus.

Eretria. One of the most celebrated of ancient cities, and, next to Chalcis, one of the most powerful in Eubœa. After the Peloponnesian war, the city was governed by tyrants.