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

Feu-de-joie. A salute fired by musketry on occasions of public rejoicing, so that it should pass from man to man rapidly and steadily, down one rank and up the other, giving one long continuous sound.

Feu Rasant (Fr.). A grazing fire, or a discharge of musketry or cannon, so directed that the balls shall run parallel with the ground they fly over, within 3 or 4 feet of the surface.

Feud. A contention or quarrel; especially an inveterate strife between families, clans, or parties in a state; deadly hatred; contention satisfied only by bloodshed.

Feudal. Consisting of, or founded upon, feuds or fiefs; embracing tenures by military system; as, the feudal system.

Fez. A red cap without a brim, worn by Turkish soldiers and others.

Fez. A city of Morocco, Africa; it was founded by Edris, a descendant of Mohammed, about 787; was long capital of the kingdom of Fez. After long-continued struggles it was annexed to Morocco about 1550.

Fichant. In fortification, said of flanking fire which impinges on the face it defends; that is, of a line of defense where the angle of defense is less than a right angle.

Fidenæ. An ancient city of Latium, on the left bank of the Tiber, 5 miles from Rome. The proximity of the two cities brought them early into collision, and we find that Fidenæ was engaged in successive wars with the early Roman kings. After the expulsion of the Tarquins Fidenæ entered into a league with the Sabines and Latins to effect their restoration, but the attempt proved abortive, and, deserted by their allies, the Fidenates were compelled to surrender to the Roman arms. The city afterwards continued its struggles against Rome, but without success, and, though there is no record of its destruction, it had dwindled into an insignificant village before the close of the Roman republic.

Fidentia (now Bargo S. Domingo). A town in Cisalpine Gaul, on the Via Æmilia, between Parma and Placentia, memorable for the victory which Sulla’s generals gained over Carbo, 82 B.C.

Fief. An estate held of a superior on condition of military service; a fee; a feud.