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

Pickeer. To pillage; to pirate. To skirmish, as soldiers on the outpost of an army, or in pillaging parties.

Picker. A small, pointed brass wire, which was formerly supplied to every infantry soldier for the purpose of cleaning the vent of his musket.

Picket. A detachment composed of cavalry or infantry, whose principal duty is to guard an army from surprise and oppose such small parties as the enemy may push forward for the purpose of reconnoitring.

Picket. A sharp stake used for securing the fascines of a battery, or fastening the tent-ropes of a camp, etc.

Picket. To fortify with pickets or pointed stakes. Also, to fasten to a picket, as a horse while grazing.

Picket, Inlying. See [Inlying Picket].

Picket, Outlying. Is a detachment of troops, sometimes with light guns, posted on the front and flanks of an army in the field, in order to guard against surprise, and to keep reconnoitring parties at a proper distance.

Picket-guard. A guard of horse and foot, always in readiness in case of alarm.

Picket-line. A rope to which horses are secured when groomed.

Picket-line. A position held and guarded by small bodies of men placed at intervals.