Jamaica. One of the West India Islands, or Greater Antilles, which belongs to Great Britain, and forms the most considerable and valuable of its possessions in that quarter. It was discovered by Columbus in 1494, and colonized by the Spaniards in the early part of the 16th century. In 1655 it was taken by the English, when 3000 British soldiers who had served in the Parliamentary army settled there. In 1866 a revolt of a large portion of the negro population took place, which was promptly suppressed.
Jamb. To squeeze tight.
Jambeaux, or Jambes (Fr.). Greaves; armor for the legs, made of waxed leather or metal; much used in the Middle Ages.
James of the Sword, St. A military order in Spain, instituted in 1170 under the reign of Ferdinand II., king of Leon and Galicia. Its object was to put a stop to the incursions of the Moors; these knights obliging themselves by a vow to secure the roads. The highest dignity in that order is that of grand master, which has been united to the crown of Spain. The knights were obliged to give proof of their descent from families that had been noble for four generations on both sides; they were also required to make it appear that their ancestors were neither Jews, Saracens, nor heretics, nor had ever been called into question by the Inquisition.
James Island. One of the sea islands of Charleston Co., S. C., having Charleston harbor and Ashley River on the north. The battle of Secessionville (June 11, 1863) and several other spirited engagements occurred upon this island during the late civil war.
James Projectile. See [Projectiles].
James Rifle. An American sporting rifle, which was popular many years ago.
James, St. A town of France, in the department of Manche. William the Conqueror built a strong fortress here, which remained in possession of the English till 1448.
Jamestown. A former village of James City Co., Va., on the north bank of the James River. The first English settlement in the United States was made at this place in 1608, but nothing now remains but a few ruins. The forces of Wayne and Lord Cornwallis had an engagement near here in 1781.
Jangar. A kind of ponton constructed of two boats with a platform laid across them, which is used by the natives in the East Indies to convey horses, cattle, etc., across rivers.