Troops drawn up so as to show an extended front, with slight depth, are said to be [deployed]; when the depth is considerable and the front comparatively small, they are said to be in [ployed] formation. See [Order], [Order of Battle], [Concave], [Order of Battle], [Convex].
Formers. Are round pieces of wood that are fitted to the diameter of the bore of a gun, round which the cartridge-paper, parchment, lead, or cotton is rolled before it is served.
Formigny. A village of France, in the department of Calvados, 10 miles northwest from Bayeux, where a battle was fought in 1450, between the French and English, the latter being defeated, and thereby forced to abandon Normandy.
Formosa. An island in the China Sea belonging to China. The Dutch became masters of it in 1632, but they were expelled by the pirate Coxinga, whose successors ruled it till 1683. It was invaded by the Japanese in 1874, to avenge the murder of some of their people.
Fornova (Parma, Italy). Near here Charles VIII. of France defeated the Italians, July 6, 1495.
Fort. Technically applied to an inclosed work of the higher class of field fortification; but the word is often used in military works much more loosely.
Fort Adams. A fortification situated on Brenton’s Point, 1 mile west of the town of Newport, R. I., and commanding the entrance to the harbor. It was first garrisoned in 1841, and is established on the old fort which formerly occupied the position.
Fort Adjutant. In the British service, is an officer holding an appointment in a fortress,—where the garrison is often composed of drafts from different corps,—analogous to that of adjutant in a regiment. He is responsible to the commandant for the internal discipline, and the assignment of the necessary duties to particular corps. Fort adjutants are staff-officers, and receive additional pay.
Fort Ann. A village of Washington Co., N. Y., on the Champlain Canal. A fortification, from which the place derives its name, was erected here during the wars with the French, in 1756. It was captured from the Americans about 1779.
Fort Barrancas. Situated on the north side of the entrance to Pensacola harbor, and has been occupied since October 24, 1820, when it was ceded by Spain to the United States. During the civil war it was captured by the Confederates (1861), and held by them until the following year.