Squad-bags. In the British service, are black canvas bags, which are issued at the rate of one to every 25 men, and are intended to contain those articles of a man’s kit which are not comprised in the “service kit.” They are only used when a regiment is in the field or on the line of march. In India, where knapsacks are never carried, a small squad-bag is issued to each soldier.
Squadron. In military language, denotes two troops of cavalry. It is the unit by which the force of cavalry with an army is always computed. Three or four squadrons constitute a regiment. The actual strength of a squadron ranges from 120 to 200 sabres.
Squall. A sudden and violent gust of wind, often attended with rain or snow. Black squall, a squall attended with dark, heavy clouds. Thick squall, a black squall accompanied by rain, hail, sleet, etc. White squall, a squall which comes unexpectedly, without being marked in its approach by the clouds.
Square. In military evolutions, is the forming of a body of men into a rectangular figure, with several ranks or rows of men facing on each side. With men of ordinary firmness, a square should resist the charges of the heaviest horse. The formation is not new, for a Grecian Syntagma was a solid square of 16 men in every direction; but in modern warfare, the solid square having been found cumbrous, has been abandoned for the hollow square, with officers, horses, colors, etc., in the centre. The front rank kneels, and the two next stoop, which enables five ranks of men to maintain a rolling fire upon an advancing enemy, or to pour in a murderous volley at close quarters.
Square-pierced. In heraldry, a term used to designate a charge perforated with a square opening, so as to show the field. A cross square-pierced is often improperly confounded with a cross quarter-pierced, where the intersecting part of the cross is not merely perforated, but entirely removed.
Squire. An attendant on a warrior was formerly so called.
Stab. To pierce with a pointed weapon; as, to be stabbed by a bayonet, dagger, etc.
Stabiæ (now Castella Mare di Stabia). An ancient town in Campania, between Pompeii and Surrentum; was destroyed by Sulla in the Social war.
Stable Guard. In each squadron, the stable guard generally consists of a corporal and one man for every 20 horses. It is their duty to feed the horses, watch over their safety during the night, and attend to the general police of the stables, being assisted by an additional detail at the hours of stable call.
Stable Horse. A name formerly applied to that part of the Tippoo Sahib’s cavalry which was best armed, accoutred, and most regularly disciplined.