Angle, Re-entering. An angle whose vertex points inward, or towards the place. A re-entering angle which is not defended by a flanking fire is said to be dead.
Angles. An ancient German tribe from which England derives its name. They occupied a narrow district in the south of Sleswick, whence some of them passed over in the 5th century, in conjunction with other Saxon tribes, into Britain, where they conquered the native Britons, and established the Anglo-Saxon Heptarchy. See [Heptarchy].
Anglou. A place in Armenia where a Persian army 4000 strong defeated and cut to pieces a Roman army of 30,000, in 543.
Angon. In ancient military history, was a kind of a dart of modern length, having an iron beaded head and cheeks; in use about the 5th century. This sort of javelin was much used by the French. The iron head of it resembled a [fleur-de-lis].
Angora. See [Ancyra].
Angouleme. A city in the department of Charente, France. It was ruined by the Normans during the 9th century, and devastated several times during the 16th century.
Anguis. A flag adopted by the Romans, which was carried at the head of a cohort (the tenth part of a Roman legion, consisting of 600 men); this flag resembled a serpent in shape, and was more commonly called draco.
Angusticlave. A robe or tunic embroidered with purple studs or knobs, and with narrow purple stripes, worn by Roman knights, to distinguish them from members of the senatorian order, who wore a garment with broad stripes, called latus clavus.
Anholt, Island of (Denmark). Was taken possession of by England, May 18, 1809, in the French war, on account of Danish cruisers injuring British commerce. The Danes made an attempt to regain it with a force which exceeded 1000 men, but were gallantly repulsed by the British force, not amounting to more than 150, March 27, 1811.
Animate, To. In a military sense, is to encourage, to incite, to add fresh impulse to any body of men who are advancing against an enemy, or to prevent them from shamefully abandoning their colors in critical situations.