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

Fall. The descent of a body by the attraction of the earth.

Fall Foul, To. To attack; to make an assault.

Fall In. A word of command for men to form in ranks, as in parade, line, or division, etc.

Falling Bodies, Laws of. When a body falls freely in vacuo it is actuated by a force which may be taken as constant, consequently its velocity will be uniformly accelerated. The constant increment to the velocity in one second is called the acceleration, and is a measure of the force. (See [Force of Gravity].) The velocity acquired at the end of a certain time will be found by multiplying the force of gravity by the number of seconds. The laws of falling bodies are given by the following equations:

v = gt

v = √ 2gh

h = v²2g

In which v is the velocity acquired, h the height fallen through, g the force of gravity, and t the time in seconds. These laws are approximately true for dense or heavy bodies falling for a few seconds in the atmosphere. For longer periods, v is less than that due to h under the above laws. For full discussion, see [Final Velocity].

Falling Branch. That part of the trajectory of a projectile in which it approaches the earth.

Fall Out, To. To quit the rank or file in which you were first posted. Dirty soldiers on a parade are frequently ordered to fall out, and remain in the rear of their companies. The phrase is applicable in a variety of other instances.