Exauctoratio. In the Roman military discipline, differed from the missio, which was a full discharge, and took place after soldiers had served in the army twenty years; whereas the exauctoratio was only a partial discharge; they lost their pay, indeed, but still kept under their colors or vexilla, though not under the aquila or eagle, which was the standard of the legion; whence instead of legionarii, they were called subsignani, and were retained till they had either served their full time, or had lands assigned them. The exauctoratio took place after they had served seventeen years.
Excavation. The art of cutting or otherwise making hollows in the earth; also the cavity formed.
Exchange. The act of two officers changing regiments, battalions, or batteries. The mutual giving up of an equal number of prisoners by hostile states or armies. In this sort of exchange an officer, according to his rank, is reckoned as equal to a certain number of men or of officers of a lower grade than his own.
Excubiæ. In ancient warfare, the watches and guards kept in the day by the Roman soldiers. They differed from the vigiliæ, which were kept in the night.
Execution, Military. Is the pillaging or plundering of a country by the enemy’s army. Military execution also means every kind of punishment inflicted in the army by the sentence of a court-martial; which is of various kinds, including putting a soldier to death by shooting him, which is the ordinary punishment of deserters to the enemy, mutineers, etc. This form of death is considered less disgraceful than hanging by the neck.
Exempt. Not subject, not liable to. Men of certain age are exempt from serving in the militia. An aide-de-camp and brigade-major are exempt from all regimental duties while serving in those capacities. Officers on courts-martial are sometimes exempt from all other duties until the court is dissolved.
Exercise. The practice of all those motions and actions, together with the whole management of arms, which are essential to the perfection of a soldier, and the rendering him fit for service.
Exercise, Artillery. Is the method of teaching the regiments of artillery the use and practice of all the various machines of war belonging to that particular arm of the service.
Exon. In England, an officer of the Yeomen of the Royal Guard; an exempt.
Exostre (Fr.). Bridge of the Helepole or movable tower of the ancients, by which they passed upon a wall during a siege.