Offa’s Dyke. An intrenchment from the Wye to the Dee, England, made by Offa, king of Mercia, to defend his country from the incursions of the Welsh, 779.
Offense, Weapons of. Those which are used in attack, in distinction from those of defense, which are used to repel.
Offenses. All acts that are contrary to good order and discipline, omissions of duty, etc., may be called military offenses. The principal ones are specified in the [Articles of War] (which see). No officer or soldier can be tried twice for the same offense, unless in the case of an appeal; nor can any officer or soldier be tried for any offense committed more than two years before the date of the order for trial, unless in cases where through some manifest impediment the offenders were not amenable to justice in that period, when they may be brought to trial any time within two years after the impediment has ceased.
Offensive. Used in attack; assailant; opposed to [defensive]; as, an offensive weapon or engine. Making the first attack; assailant; invading: opposed to [defensive]; as, an offensive war.
Offensive and Defensive Fireworks. See [Pyrotechny].
Offensive and Defensive League. A league that requires both or all parties to make war together against a nation, and each party to defend the other in case of being attacked.
Offensive and Defensive Operations. Are operations the object of which is not only to prevent the enemy’s advance, but to attack him whenever there is a favorable opportunity which promises success.
Offensive Fortification. See [Fortification].
Offensive War. Military acts of aggression constitute what is called an offensive war. Those who assail an opposite or adverse army, or invade the dominions of another power, are said to wage an offensive war.
Office. Any place or department appointed for the officers and clerks to attend in, for the discharge of their respective employments; as, the adjutant-general’s office, etc.