Matan. One of the Philippine Islands, lying to the east of Zebu, where Magellan was killed in a skirmish with the natives in 1520.
Matarieh. A village of Lower Egypt, in the province of Ghizeh, which stands on the site of the ancient Heliopolis, 5 miles northeast from Cairo. The Turks were defeated here by the French in 1800.
Match. A preparation invented to retain fire for the service of artillery, mines, fireworks, etc. For different kinds in use and their composition, see [Laboratory Stores].
Match. A bringing together of two parties suited to one another, as for a trial of skill or force, a contest, or the like; as, specifically, a contest to try strength or skill; an emulous struggle.
Matchlock. The lock of a musket containing a match for firing it; hence, a musket fired by means of a match.
Mate-griffon. An ancient machine, the destroyer and terror of the Greeks, which projected both stones and darts.
Matériel. All cannon, small-arms, carriages, implements, ammunition, etc., necessary for war purposes, used in contradistinction to personnel. See [Personnel].
Mathematics. That science, or class of sciences, which treats of the exact relations existing between the quantities or magnitudes, and of the methods by which, in accordance with these relations, quantities sought are deducible from other quantities known or supposed. It is usually divided into pure, which considers magnitude or quantity abstractly, without relation to matter; and mixed, which treats of magnitude as subsisting in material bodies, and is consequently interwoven with physical considerations; and to this branch may be referred astronomy, geography, hydrography, hydrostatics, mechanics, fortification, gunnery, mining, and engineering. The knowledge of military mathematics is applicable to all the operations of war, where everything consists in proportion, measure, and motion, bringing into play the several important sciences already enumerated, a certain proficiency in most of which is absolutely requisite to the formation of a good and skillful officer.
Matras (Fr.). A sort of dart which was anciently used, and which was not sufficiently pointed to occasion anything more than a bruise.
Matron. A woman, generally the wife of some well-behaved and good soldier, who is employed to assist in the hospital, do the washing, etc., and is under the direction of the surgeon, by whom she is originally appointed to the situation.