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

Intercombat. A combat between.

Interior. A word of varied application; as, the interior flanking angle is formed by the curtain and line of defense. Interior radius is that part of an [oblique radius] extending from the centre of the polygon to the centre of the bastion. Interior side is the line of the curtain produced to the two oblique radii of the front, or a line drawn from the centre of one bastion to that of the next.

Interior Form of Cannon. The interior of cannon may be divided into three distinct parts: 1st, the [vent], or channel which communicates fire to the charge; 2d, the seat of the charge, or chamber, if its diameter be different from the rest of the bore; 3d, the cylinder, or that portion of the bore passed over by the projectile. See also Grooves for Rifle Cannon.

Interior Guards. Are police guards, guards of property, etc., who are liable to come in contact with the enemy.

Interior Slope. Is the inclination towards the inner part of a work which is given to the earth forming the rampart or parapet. Interior crest is the crest of the interior slope.

Interval. In military dispositions and manœuvres, any given distance or space. In tactics the term is used to signify taken parallel to the front, as opposed to distance or space perpendicularly to the front. Interval between two battalions is the space which separates them when they are drawn up for action or when they are encamped. This space is generally wide enough to admit the march of another regiment; that is to say, it is equal to the extent of its front when in line. Interval between the line and the camp comprehends the space which lies between the camp and the line of intrenchments. It is generally from 180 to 200 toises in breadth; so that the different sections of troops which are necessary for the security of the camp, may have room to move in, while sufficient ground is left in rear for troops to pass and repass as occasion may require. The same observation holds good with respect to contrevallation.

Intrench. Is to make secure against the attack of an enemy by digging a ditch or trench, etc. To intrench upon, to invade, to make encroachments upon the property or territories of another.

Intrenched Camp. A large space capable of containing an entire army, surrounded by works of fortification. Frequently an intrenched camp joins a fortress, in which case it is protected by permanent works of considerable strength—detached forts, for instance.

Intrenching Tool. An implement used for intrenching. In view of the deadly fire of modern small-arms it is a matter of great importance that the soldier should be able to get cover. For this reason it has been proposed to make an intrenching tool a part of the soldier’s equipment. In the United States army a combination bayonet and intrenching tool is used. See [Trowel Bayonet].

Intrenchment. Is generally a ditch or trench with a parapet. The earth removed to form the ditch is used to construct the parapet. Fascines, with earth thrown over them, gabions, hogsheads, or bags filled with earth, are often employed to revet or strengthen the work when the earth is loose or sandy. Intrenchments of armies are the whole works or obstacles by which an army or large body of troops cover themselves for their defense.