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

Infantry Exercise. The use of the rifle, and manœuvres for regiments of infantry, according to the regulations issued by the War Department.

Infantry, Heavy-armed. Among the ancients were such as wore a complete suit of armor, and engaged with broad shields and long spears. They were the flower and strength of the Grecian armies, and had the highest rank of military honor.

Infantry, Light. Came into use after the year 1656. They had no camp equipage to carry, and their arms and accoutrements were much lighter than the common infantry, or battalion men; they were used as skirmishers, etc.

Infantry, Light-armed. Among the ancients, were designed for skirmishes, and for fighting at a distance. Their weapons were arrows, darts, or slings.

Infantry Tactics. See [Tactics].

Inferior. In a military sense means simply junior in rank, having a lower rank.

Infest. To trouble greatly; to disturb; to annoy; to harass; as, the sea is infested with pirates; parties of the enemy infest the coast.

Infile. To arrange in a file or rank; to place in order. This term is obsolete.

Inflammation. When grains of powder are united to form a charge, and fire is communicated to one of them, the heated and expansive gases evolved insinuate themselves into the interstices of the charge, envelop the grains, and ignite them, one after the other. This propagation of ignition is called [inflammation], and its velocity the velocity of inflammation. It is much greater than that of combustion, and it should not be confounded with it. The velocity of inflammation of powder compressed by pounding is about .64 inch, while that of mealed powder in the same condition is only .45 inch. Inflammation, in the study of gunpowder, is the spread of the flame from one grain to another—as opposed to ignition; the setting on fire of a certain point of the charge.

Informant. In case a civil person is the complainant, he becomes the principal witness before a court-martial, and after giving his evidence may remain in court, in order that the judge-advocate may refer to him.