A Military Dictionary and Gazetteer / Comprising ancient and modern military technical terms, historical accounts of all North American Indians, as well as ancient warlike tribes; also notices of battles from the earliest period to the present time, with a concise explanation of terms used in heraldry and the offices thereof. The work also gives valuable geographical information. Compiled from the best authorities of all nations. With an appendix containing the Articles of war, etc.

by Thomas Wilhelm

Headless. Destitute of a chief or leader.

Head-man. A chief; a leader.

Head-piece. Armor for the head; a helmet; a morion.

Headquarters. The place where the officer commanding any army or independent body of troops takes up his residence. The quarters or place of residence of the chief officer; hence, the centre of authority or order.

Headstall. That part of a bridle which encompasses the head.

Heaume (Fr.). A word derived from the German, which formerly signified [casque], or helmet. The heaume has been sometimes called among the French [salade], [armet], and celate from the Latin word which means engraved, on account of the different figures which were represented upon it. The heaume covered the whole of the face, except the eyes, which were protected by small iron bars laid crosswise. It serves as an ornament or helmet in coats of arms and armorial bearings; it is still preserved in heraldry, and is a distinguishing mark of nobility.

Heaver. A bar used as a lever.

Heavy. Strong; violent; forcible; as, a heavy cannonade.

Heavy Artillery. Troops who serve heavy guns. The term is specially applied to troops in charge of siege guns or guns of position. Also large guns themselves.

Heavy Cavalry. European cavalry is divided into light and heavy cavalry, according to the size of the men and horses and the character of the equipment.