Heavy Fire. A continuous cannonading; a continuous discharge of musketry.
Heavy Marching Order. An expression applied to troops equipped for permanent field service with arms, accoutrements, knapsacks, canteens, and haversacks.
Heavy Metal. Large guns carrying balls of a large size; also, large balls for such guns.
Heavy Ordnance. Ordnance of great weight and caliber. In the United States the term is restricted in the land service to sea-coast ordnance. See [Ordnance].
Hebrides, or Western Islands. A series of islands off the west coast of Scotland, consisting of two principal groups. In ancient times they were subject to the kings of Norway, but were annexed to the crown of Scotland in 1264. From that time they were held by various native chieftains in vassalage to the Scottish monarch, until they came under the sway of one powerful chief, who assumed the title of “Lord of the Isles” in 1346, and effected entire independence of Scotland. In 1748 all hereditary jurisdictions were abolished, and for the first time, under a just and powerful government, the peace of the islands was secured.
Hebron. A place in Palestine, about 20 miles a little west of south from Jerusalem, and one of the oldest existing cities in the world. The Maccabees recovered it from the Edomites, who had taken it after the Captivity. It was burned by an officer of Vespasian just before the destruction of Jerusalem. It was taken by the Arabs in 637, and by the Crusaders about 1100; and ever since 1187 has been in the hands of its present masters, the Mohammedans.
Hedge. To surround for defense; to fortify; to guard; to protect; to hem. To surround so as to prevent escape.
Hedjrah. See [Hegira].
Heel. That part of a thing corresponding in position to the human heel; the lower back part, or part on which a thing rests. In a small-arm it is the corner of the butt which is upwards in the firing position.
Heel-piece. Armor for the heels.