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

Light-armed. Not heavily armed, or armed with light weapons; as, light troops; a troop of light horse. See [Infantry, Light-armed].

Light-ball. See [Pyrotechny].

Light-barrel. See [Pyrotechny].

Ligny. A village in Belgium, in the province of Namur, about 10 miles northeast of Charleroi, famous on account of the battle fought here by the French under Napoleon, and the Prussians under Blücher, June 16, 1815, in which the latter was defeated.

Liguria. In ancient geography, a region of Northern Italy, the land of the Ligurians It is first mentioned by the early Greek authors as extending as far westward as the mouths of the Rhone, while according to Polybius, its eastern boundary was Pisæ, and its northern the country of the Arretines. The Ligurians, so often praised by ancient authors for their hardihood and bravery, are generally understood to be those on the south side of the Apennines exclusively. In the time of Strabo these eked out the scanty produce of their stony and sterile soil by hunting and feeding flocks, and thus fostered that vigor of frame and ferocity of disposition which long rendered them the indomitable foes and plunderers of the Romans. They were renowned as slingers and light infantry in the armies of the Carthaginians, and afterwards in those of the Romans. They were conquered by the Romans in 125 B.C. Liguria formed the first point of the Roman province of Gaul; in 1797, in consequence of the conquests of Bonaparte, it was formed into the republic of Liguria.

Limber. To attach to the limbers; as, to limber the gun; to limber up.

Limber-chest. The ammunition-chest placed on the limber of field-pieces.

Limbers. See [Ordnance, Carriages for].

Limenarque (Fr.). An office of distinction, which existed in the Roman empire. The persons invested with it were directed to watch the frontiers of the empire, and they commanded the troops that were employed upon that service.

Limerick. A city of Ireland, chief town of a county of the same name, situated on the Shannon, about 60 miles from its mouth, and 106 miles south-southwest of Dublin. It has always been deemed a place of importance. It was taken by the English in 1174; in 1651 it was taken by Ireton, the son-in-law of Cromwell; in 1690 it was unsuccessfully besieged by King William III. in person; in 1691 it surrendered to Gen. Ginkel, afterwards earl of Athlone. Before the Conquest it was the seat of the kings of Thomond.