Fall Upon, To. To attack abruptly.
Falots (Fr.). Small lanterns fixed upon the end of a stick or pole. Small lamps likewise used, attached in the same manner, for the purpose of carrying them readily about to light a camp, or besieged towns, as occasion may require.
False Alarm. An alarm or apprehension which is either designedly or unintentionally created by noise, report, or signals, without being dangerous.
False Attack. An approach which is made as a feint for the purpose of diverting an enemy from the real object of attack.
False Fires. Lights or fires employed for the purpose of deceiving an enemy. When an army is about to retire from a position during the night false fires are lighted in different parts of the encampment to impose upon the enemy’s vigilance.
False Lights. In debarkations under cover of the night, may likewise be used as signals of deception, when it is found expedient to attract the attention of the invaded country towards one part of the coast or territory, whilst a real attack is meditated against another.
False Muster. An incorrect statement of the number of effective soldiers and horses. See Appendix, [Articles of War], [14].
False Return. A willful report of the actual state of a brigade, regiment, troop, or company, by which the commander-in-chief of the war department is deceived as to the effective force of such regiment or company. See Appendix, [Articles of War], [8].
Famagosta, or Famagusta. A seaport town of the island of Cyprus, on the east coast, built on the ruins of the ancient Arsinoe. In 1571 Famagosta was taken by the Turks, and the town was almost entirely destroyed by an earthquake in 1735.
Fanfare. The French name of a short and lively military air or call, executed on brass instruments.