Oblique Step. Is a step or movement in marching, in which the soldier, while advancing, gradually takes ground to the right or left at an angle of about 25°. It is not now practiced.
Oblique, To. In a military sense, is to move forward to the right or left, by obliquing in either of those directions, according to the words of command.
Oblong Projectiles. See [Projectiles].
Obsequies. See [Funeral Honors].
Observation, Army of. An army assigned to the duty of observing and checking the movements of an enemy.
Observer Sergeants. In the United States, are sergeants in the signal service, stationed in large towns and important commercial centres, to give timely warning of the approach of storms, rise of rivers, and all other important weather news for the guidance of merchants and others.
Observe, To. To watch closely, etc. Hence, to observe the motions of an enemy, is to keep a good lookout by means of small corps of armed men, or of intelligent and steady spies and scouts, and to be constantly in possession of information regarding his different movements.
Obsession. The act of besieging.
Obsidional. Belonging to a siege.
Obsidional Crown (Fr. couronne obsidionale). A crown so called among the ancient Romans, which was bestowed upon a governor or general, who by his skill and exertions, either held out or caused the siege to be raised of any town belonging to the republic. It was made from the grass which grew on the spot, and was therefore called gramineus (Lat. gramen, “grass”).