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

Pistol-carbine. A horseman’s pistol with a detachable gun-stock.

Pistolet. A little pistol.

Pistol-grip. A shape given to the small of the stock in shot-guns and rifles, to give a better hold for the hand.

Pistolier (Fr.). Soldier armed with a pistol; a good pistol shot.

Pitan Nabobs. Certain chiefs in India are so called, namely, of Cudapa, Carroul, and Savanare.

Pitans, or Patans. A tribe in the East Indies, who are supposed to be the descendants of the northern Indians, and who were early converted to Mohammedanism. They are very fierce, and have been reckoned among the best troops in India.

Pitaux (Fr.). This word is sometimes written petaux, and was formerly used to distinguish those peasants that were pressed into the service, in contradistinction to soldiers who were regularly enlisted.

Pitch. To fix firmly; to plant; to set in array; as, to pitch a tent; to pitch a camp.

Pitched Battle. A battle in which the hostile forces have firm or fixed positions, in distinction from a skirmish.

Pitched Fascines. See [Pyrotechny].