Fere Champenoise, La. A town of France, in the department of the Marne, 20 miles from Epernay. In 1814 the French were defeated here by the allies.
Fere, La. A fortified town of France, in the department of the Aisne, on an island in the Oise. It has an arsenal and a school of artillery. This town was taken by the Spaniards in 1530; and by the allies in 1814.
Ferentarii. Among the Romans, were auxiliary troops lightly armed; their weapons being a sword, arrows, and a sling. We have also mention of another sort of Ferentarii, whose business was to carry arms after the army, and to be ready to supply the soldiers therewith in battle.
Ferozeshah. A village in Hindostan, situated a few miles from the left bank of the river Sutlej. Here the British, commanded by Sir Hugh Gough, attacked the intrenchments of the Sikhs, and carried their first line of works, December 21, 1845; but night coming on, the operations were suspended till daybreak next day, when their second line was stormed by Gen. Gilbert, and 74 guns captured. The Sikhs advanced to retake their guns, but were repulsed with great loss, and retreated toward the Sutlej, December 22; and recrossed that river unmolested, December 27. The loss of the British was reckoned at 2415.
Ferrara. A city of Italy, and the capital of one of the Æmilian provinces of the same name. It was subdued by the Lombards in the 8th century, and taken from them by Pepin, about 752, who gave it to Pope Stephen II. About 1208 it fell into the hands of the house of Este, and in 1598 Pope Clement VIII. obtained the sovereignty. The French under Masséna took Ferrara in 1796; but it was restored to the pope in 1814. An Austrian garrison held it from 1849; it retired in June, 1859, and the people rose and declared for annexation to Sardinia, which was accomplished in March, 1860.
Ferrara. A sword of excellent temper, made of steel from Ferrara, Italy. The kind most prized was manufactured by Andrea di Ferrara; hence such a sword was often called an Andrea-Ferrara.
Ferries, Rope. See [Pontons].
Ferrol. A seaport town of Spain, province of Corunna, and an important naval station. This place was unsuccessfully attacked by the British in August, 1800. Marshal Soult captured Ferrol, January 27, 1809.
Ferry. A water conveyance made use of to cross a river, or branch of the sea.
Fetter. To put fetters upon; to shackle or confine the feet with a chain; to bind; to enchain. Deserters are sometimes fettered while undergoing punishment for the crime of desertion.