Esquire. In chivalry, was the shield-bearer or armor-bearer to the knight. He was a candidate for the honor of knighthood, and thus stood to the knight in the relation of a novice or apprentice. When fully equipped each knight was attended by two esquires.
Essedarii. In Roman antiquity, gladiators who fought in a heavy kind of chariot called esseda or essedum. The esseda (which derived its name from the Celtic word ess, signifying a carriage) was a ponderous kind of chariot much used in war by the Gauls, the Belgæ, and the Britons. It differed from the currus in being open before instead of behind; and in this way the owner was enabled to run along the pole, from the extremity of which, or even from the top of the yoke, he discharged his missiles with surprising dexterity.
Essek, or Eszek. A town and fortress of the Austrian empire, in Sclavonia, on the Drave. It contains an arsenal, barracks, and other military buildings. There were several battles fought here between the Turks and Germans. It was finally taken from the Turks in 1687, since which time it has continued in the hands of the house of Austria.
Essling. A village of Lower Austria, on the left bank of the Danube, 6 miles east of Vienna. Between this village and that of Aspern the French were repulsed by the Austrians in a severe engagement in 1809. See [Aspern].
Establish. A technical phrase to express the quartering of any considerable body of troops in a country. Thus it is common to say, the army took up a position in the neighborhood of ——, and established the headquarters at ——.
Establishment. The quota of officers and men in an army, regiment, troop, or company.
Establishment, Peace. Is the reduced condition of an army suited to a time of peace.
Establishment, War. Is the augmentation of regiments to a certain number, by which the whole army of a country is considerably increased, to meet war exigencies.
Estacade (Fr.). A dike constructed of piles in the sea, a river, or a morass, to check the approach of an enemy.
Estafette (Fr.). A military courier, sent express from one part of an army to another.