Hausse-col (Fr.). An ornamental plate similar to the gorget. It was formerly worn by infantry officers.
Hautes-payes (Fr.). Were soldiers selected by the captains of companies to attend them personally, for which service they received something more than the common pay. Haute-paye became afterwards a term to signify the subsistence which any body of men superior to, or distinguished from the private soldier were allowed to receive.
Haut-le-pied (Fr.). A term used to distinguish such persons as were formerly employed in the French armies without having any permanent appointment. Commissaires hauts-le-pied were known in the artillery during the monarchy of France. They were usually under the quartermaster-general.
Havana (Sp. Habana). The capital of the island of Cuba, on its north coast, at the mouth of the river Lagida. The harbor is one of the best in the world, being capable of holding 1000 ships with ease; but it has so narrow a channel that only one vessel can enter at a time. This channel is strongly fortified; the city is also surrounded with defensive works, all furnished with heavy artillery. Havana has been frequently attacked; it was captured in 1536 by a French pirate, and partially destroyed; it was subsequently taken, at different times, by the English, by the French, and by the buccaneers. In 1762 the British took possession of it, but restored it in 1763.
Havelock. A light cloth covering for the head and neck, used by soldiers as a protection from sunstroke. This covering derived its name from Havelock, a distinguished English general.
Haverfordwest (Welsh, Hwlfford). A seaport of Wales, in Pembrokeshire, and the capital of that county. It was at one time strongly fortified, and was possessed of a strong castle, which was built by Gilbert de Clare, first earl of Pembroke. In the insurrection of Owen Glendower, it was successfully defended against the French troops in the Welsh service. In the civil war of the 17th century it was held by the royalists.
Haversack. A strong, coarse, linen bag, in which, on a march, a soldier carries his rations. It is borne on the left side, suspended by a strap passing over the right shoulder. The name is also given to the leather bag used in artillery to carry cartridges from the ammunition-chest to the piece in loading.
Havildar. A non-commissioned officer or sergeant among the Sepoys. He ranks next to the jemadar, or native lieutenant.
Havildar-major. The native sergeant-major in a native infantry regiment.
Havoc. Wide and general destruction; devastation; waste. Also, to waste; to destroy; to lay waste.