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

Escarp. In fortification, the surface of the ditch next the rampart, the surface next the enemy being termed the counterscarp. Called also scarp.

Escarp Galleries. Galleries constructed in the escarp for the purpose of flanking the ditch caponnière.

Escarpment. Ground cut away nearly vertically about a position, in order to render it inaccessible to the enemy.

Escort. A body of troops attending an individual as a guard. The term is also applied to a guard placed over prisoners on a march, to prevent their escape, and to the guard of a convoy of stores.

Escort, Funeral. See [Funeral Escort].

Escort of Honor. A body of troops attending a personage of rank by way of military compliment.

Escort of the Color. The military ceremony of sending for and receiving the colors of a battalion.

Escouade (Fr.). In the old French service generally meant the third part of a company of foot or a detachment. Companies were divided in this manner for the purpose of more conveniently keeping the tour of duty among the men. We have corrupted the term, and called it squad.

Escuage. An ancient feudal tenure by which the tenant was bound to follow his lord to war or to defend his castle.

Espadon. In old military works, a kind of two-handed sword, having two edges, of a great length and breadth; formerly used by the Spanish.