Imola. A fortified town of Ravenna, a province of Italy, on a small island in the river Santerno; it is defended by a strong castle. This town was founded by the Lombards on the ruins of Forum Cornelii, destroyed by Justinian, and was afterwards successively held by different chiefs who ruled in Central Italy. Julius II. annexed it to the States of the Church, but it was delivered from the papal yoke when Ravenna declared for annexation to Sardinia in 1859.
Impact. In gunnery, the single instantaneous blow or stroke of a body in motion against another either in motion or at rest.
Impale. In heraldry, to arrange two coats of arms side by side in one shield divided per pale. It is usual thus to exhibit the conjoined coats of husband and wife, the husband’s arms occupying the dexter, or right side, and the wife’s the sinister, or left side, of the escutcheon.
Impedimenta. The accompaniments to an army received from the Romans the name of impedimenta. They consist in transportation of munitions, equipments, provisions, hospital supplies, tents, engineering tools, bridge equipage, and boats, baggage, cooking utensils, etc., necessary for the use of an army moving against an enemy. This requires the use of large numbers of wagons and of draught animals, or shipping, and necessarily impedes the movement of an army. See [Baggage].
Impenetrable. Incapable of being penetrated or pierced, not admitting the passage of other bodies, not to be entered; as, an impenetrable shield.
Imperator. An old Roman title signifying commander, which was applied to the rulers of provinces, consuls, pro-consuls, etc., or to anybody who had an imperium assigned him. After a victory the Roman soldiers frequently saluted their commander by this title.
Imperial Guards. See [Guards, Imperial].
Imperialists. This word was chiefly applied to the subjects of, or forces employed by the house of Austria, when opposed to the troops of other German powers.
Imperil. To bring into peril, to endanger.
Impetuous. Rushing with force and violence, moving with impetus, furious, forcible; as, the troops went pouring forward with impetuous speed.