Amantea, or Amantia. City and seaport in Naples; sustained a siege against the French in 1806. It is believed that this city is the ancient Nepetum.
Amazons. Female warriors. Tribes, either real or imaginary, belonging to Africa and Asia, among which the custom prevailed for the females to go to war; preparing themselves for that purpose by destroying the right breast, in order to use the bow with greater ease. According to Greek tradition, an Amazon tribe invaded Africa, and was repulsed by Theseus, who afterwards married their queen. Hence all female warriors have been called Amazons.
Amberg. A town in Bavaria, where the French were defeated by the Austrians in 1796.
Ambit. The compass or circuit of any work or place, as of a fortification or encampment, etc.
Ambition. In a military sense, signifies a desire of greater posts or honors. Every person in the army or navy ought to have a spirit of emulation to arrive at the very summit of the profession by his personal merit.
Amblef. Ancient residence of the kings of France on the river of the same name, in Germany. Here Charles Martel defeated Chilperic II. and Rangenfroi, mayor of the Neustrians, 716.
Ambulances. Are flying hospitals, so organized that they can follow an army in all its movements, and are intended to succor the wounded as soon as possible; a two- or four-wheeled vehicle for conveying the wounded from the field; called also an ambulance-cart.
Ambuscade. A snare set for an enemy either to surprise him when marching without precaution, or to draw him on by different stratagems to attack him with a superior force.
Ambush. A place of concealment where an enemy may be surprised by a sudden attack.
Ame. A French term, similar in its import to the word [chamber], as applied to cannon, etc.