Hanapier, or Hanepier (Fr.). The front part of a cuirass, or iron breastplate worn by light-armed soldiers.
Hanau. A town of Germany, the capital of a province of the same name, in Hesse-Cassel, on the Kinzig, 12 miles from Frankfort-on-the-Main. In 1792, Hanau was attacked by the French, and occupied by them in 1796, 1797, and 1805.
Hand. A measure 4 inches in length. The height of a horse is computed by so many hands and inches.
Hand-barrow. A frame which is carried around by two men, instead of being rolled forward like a wheel-barrow. Those employed in the ordnance department are very useful in the erection of fortifications, as well as carrying shells and shot along the trenches. They generally weigh about 19 pounds.
Hand-cart. It consists of a light body with shafts, mounted on two wheels. The shafts are joined together at the ends, and supported immediately in front of the body by iron legs. It weighs 181 pounds, and is used for the transportation of light stores in siege and garrison service.
Handcuff. A fastening consisting of an iron ring around the wrist, usually connected by a chain with one on the other wrist; a manacle. Men who have deserted the service are usually manacled in this manner when removed from place to place.
Handful. Used figuratively, in a military sense, to denote a comparatively small number; as, “a handful of men.”
Hand-gallop. A slow and easy gallop, in which the hand presses the bridle to hinder increase of speed.
Hand-grenades. Are small iron shells, from 2 to 3 inches in diameter, filled with powder, which being lighted by means of a fuze, were formerly thrown by the grenadiers among the enemy, in storming a fortress. See [Grenades].
Hand-gun. An old term for a small-arm in the times of Henry VII. and VIII.