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

Gadaru (Fr.). A very broad Turkish sabre.

Gadling. A spike or sharp-pointed boss on the knuckle of a gauntlet; a gad.

Gaeta. A strongly fortified maritime town of the Neapolitan province of Terra di Lavoro, 40 miles northwest from Naples. It is one of the strongest places in the kingdom, and its harbor is the same as it was in the time of the Romans. In 1799 and in 1806 it was taken by the French, and in 1849 Pope Pius IX. sought an asylum here. When Garibaldi took possession of Naples for Victor Emmanuel in September, 1860, Francis II., the last Bourbon king of Naples, took refuge in Gaeta, and remained until the town was taken by Gen. Cialdini, in February, 1861, after a siege of several weeks’ duration.

Gætulia. An ancient country of Africa, situated south of Mauritania and Numidia, and embracing the western part of the desert of Sahara. Its inhabitants belonged to the great aboriginal Berber family of North and Northwestern Africa. They were a savage and warlike race, and their first collision with the Romans was during the Jugurthine war, when they served as light horse in the army of the Numidian king. Cornelius Cossus Lentulus led a force against them, and for his success obtained a triumph and the surname of Gætulicus. The ancient Gætulians are believed to be represented in modern times by the Tuaricks.

Gaffles. The steel lever with which the ancients bent their cross-bows.

Gage. A challenge to combat; that is, a gauntlet, glove, cap, or the like, cast on the ground by the challenger, and taken up by the acceptor of the challenge.

Gages (Fr.). Wages. Among the French this term signified the fruits or compensations which were derived by individuals from appointments given by the crown, whether of a military, civil, or judicial nature, or for service done at sea or by land.

Gain. To conquer; to get the better; as, we gained the day, etc. To gain ground, implies to take up the ground which a retiring enemy vacates.

Gaine de Flamme (Fr.). A sort of linen sheath or cover, into which the staff of a flag or pendant is put.

Gaine de Pavillon (Fr.). A cloth or linen band, which is sewed across the flag, and through which the different ribbons are interlaced.