Powder-mill. See [Mill, Gunpowder-].
Power. In military affairs as well as in all others, is knowledge—of human passions—of arms—of distance—of the skill and numbers of an enemy. To be in the power of an enemy, is to have taken up, injudiciously, such a position as to expose you to a defeat whenever the enemy may think proper to attack you.
Powerful. Full of power; capable of producing great effects of any kind; as, a powerful army or navy.
Powldron. In heraldry, that part of armor which covers the shoulders.
Powwow. A priest or conjurer among the North American Indians. Also conjurations performed for the cure of diseases and other purposes, attended with great noise and confusion, and often with dancing.
Poynado. A poniard was formerly so called.
Pozzuoli. A city of Southern Italy, at the east of the Bay of Naples. It is first mentioned in history during the second Punic war, when it was surrounded by strong walls. In 214 B.C. it repulsed Hannibal, and subsequently became a place of importance. It was destroyed by Alaric, Genseric, and Totila. It was afterwards rebuilt by the Byzantine Greeks, but being exposed to new devastations, to earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions, it sank into decay.
Practicable. A word frequently used in military matters to express the possible accomplishment of any object. Hence, a practicable breach.
Practice, To. In a military sense, to go through the manual and platoon exercises, or through the various manœuvres, etc., for the purpose of becoming thoroughly master of military movements. Practice is likewise used to signify the act of effecting or executing any military operation.
Præliares. Among the Romans, fighting days, on which they thought it lawful to engage in acts of hostility; for during the time of some particular feasts, they reckoned it a piece of impiety to raise, march, or exercise men for war, or to encounter the enemy, unless first attacked.