Field Service. Service performed by troops in the field.
Field-staff. A staff formerly carried by gunners in the field, and holding lighted matches for discharging cannon. It is no longer used.
Field Telegraph. See [Telegraph, Field].
Field-train. In the British service, a department of the Royal Artillery, consisting of commissaries and conductors of stores, responsible for the safe custody of the ammunition, for the formation of proper depots of shot, etc., between the front and the base of operations, and that a due proportion shall be constantly at the service of each gun during an engagement.
Field-works. Are intrenchments and other temporary fortifications thrown up by an army in the field, either as a protection from the onslaught of a hostile force, or to cover an attack upon some stronghold. All works which do not come under the head of permanent fortification are called field-works.
Fiesole (anc. Faesulæ). One of the most ancient Etruscan cities, situated about 3 miles from Florence. This city was first mentioned in 225 B.C. during the great Gaulish war. Hannibal encamped here after crossing the Apennines. The city was next destroyed by Sulla in the Social war (90-89 B.C.), who afterwards dispatched thither a military colony. About the beginning of the 11th century, it was destroyed by the Florentines, and many of its inhabitants compelled to remove to the city of Florence.
Fife. A wooden wind instrument, which is used with the snare-drum for playing military music. The music is produced by blowing through a hole in a reed or tube, while the escape of air is regulated by the fingers stopping or opening a number of other holes in different parts of the pipe.
Fife-Major. The chief or superintendent of the fifers of a regiment.
Fifer. One who plays a fife; there is one fifer allowed to each company of infantry in the U. S. army. Fifers are also employed aboard men-of-war, and in the marine corps.
Fight. To strive or contend for victory, in battle or in single combat; to defeat, subdue, or destroy an enemy, either by blows or weapons; to contend in arms;—followed by with or against.