Gaol. A withe used for binding fascines or securing gabions.
Gap. An opening for a passage or entrance; an opening which implies a breach. To stand in the gap, to expose one’s self for the protection of something; to make defense against any assailing danger. To stop a gap, to secure a weak point; to repair a defect.
Gap. A small town of France, capital of the department Hautes Alps. It was sacked and almost wholly reduced to ashes by Victor Amadeus of Savoy in 1692.
Gar. The general term used by the Saxons for a weapon of war.
Garamantes. A Libyan people of the old race called Amazergh, who in ancient times inhabited the largest oasis of the desert of Sahara. When the Romans became masters of North Africa, they found it necessary to repress the barbarian tribes, and accordingly Cornelius Balbus Gaditanus the younger, as pro-consul, was sent against this people. He succeeded in defeating them, and obtained the honors of a triumph; but, owing to their nomadic character, he was unable thoroughly to subdue them.
Garçon-Major (Fr.). An officer, so called in the old French service. He was selected from among the lieutenants of a regiment to assist the aid-majors in the general details of duty.
Garda, Lake of. A lake of Northern Italy, lying between the provinces of Lombardy and Venice. In 1796 the battle of Rivoli was fought near its eastern shore, in which Bonaparte defeated Wurmser.
Gardant. In heraldry, is said of an animal which is represented full-faced, and looking forward.
Garde (Fr.). Guard. Garde de l’armée, the grand guard of an army. Guards in the old French service were usually divided into three sorts: [guards of honor], fatigue guard, and the general’s guard. That was called a guard of honor in which the officers and men were exposed to danger. A fatigue guard belonging to a garrison or camp. A general’s guard was mounted before the door or gate of a house in which the commanding officer resided.
Garde-General d’Artillerie (Fr.). An officer was so called under the old government of France, who had charge of all the ordnance and stores belonging to his majesty for the land service. He gave receipts for all ammunition, etc., and his bills were paid by the treasurer-general of the army.