Gorgerin (Fr.). In ancient times, that part of the armor which covered the neck of a man. Hence our word [gorget].
Gorget (Ital. gorgietta, from gorga, a throat). That part of ancient armor which defended the neck. Also a crescent-shaped ornament formerly worn by military officers on the breast.
Gorgons. In military antiquity, a warlike female nation of Lybia, in Africa, who had frequent quarrels with another nation of the same sex, called [Amazons].
Gothard, St. The pass of St. Gothard is one of the best and most frequented routes across the Alps. On the northern slope is the celebrated Devil’s Bridge across the Ruess. The French and Russians had several combats here in 1799.
Gothland. An island in the Baltic Sea. It was conquered by the Teutonic knights, 1397-98; given up to the Danes, 1524; to Sweden, 1645; conquered by the Danes, 1677, and restored to Sweden, 1679.
Goths. A warlike nation that inhabited the country between the Caspian, Pontus, Euxine, and Baltic Seas. They entered Mœsia, took Philippopolis, massacring thousands of its inhabitants; defeated and killed the emperor Decius, 251; but were defeated by Claudius, 320,000 being slain. Aurelian ceded Dacia to them in 272; but they long troubled the empire. After the destruction of the Roman empire by the Heruli, the Ostrogoths, under Theodoric, became masters of the greater part of Italy, where they retained their dominion till 553, when they were finally conquered by Narses, Justinian’s general. The Visigoths settled in Spain, and founded a kingdom, which continued until the country was subdued by the Saracens.
Gotthard, St. Near the river Raab, Hungary. Here the Turks under the grand vizier Kupriuli were totally defeated by the Imperialists and their allies, commanded by Montecuculli, August 1, 1664. Peace followed this great victory.
Goudrons (Fr.). Small fascines, or fagots, which are well steeped in wax, pitch, and glue, and then are lighted for the purpose of setting fire to beams, planks, traverses, galleries, pontons, etc. They are likewise used in various shapes and ways, to convey light into the ditches, or upon the ramparts.
Goujat (Fr.). A soldier’s boy. It likewise signifies an ignorant, good-for-nothing fellow.
Gourdin (Fr.). A flat stick, two fingers in breadth, which was used by the French to punish galley-slaves.