Status in Quo, or Status Quo (Lat.). A treaty between belligerents, which leaves each party in statu quo ante bellum,—that is, in the state in which it was before the war.
Stays. See [Ordnance, Carriages for].
Steam-gun. A machine or contrivance by which balls or other projectiles may be driven by the force of steam.
Steed. A horse either for state or war.
Steel. See [Ordnance, Metals for].
Steel Punches. See [Inspection of Projectiles].
Steenkerke, or Steenkerque. A village of Belgium, province of Hainaut, 15 miles north-northeast of Mons. The allies, commanded by William III. of England, were here defeated by the French, July 24, 1692.
Step. Progression by one removal of the foot. It likewise signifies pace. To step, to move forward or backward by a single change of the place of the foot. To step out, is to lengthen the step, without altering the cadence. To step short, is to diminish or slacken the pace, according to the tactics. These phrases are frequently used in military movements when it is found necessary to gain ground in front, or to give the rear of a column, etc., time to acquire its proper distance. To step off, is to take a prescribed step from a halted position, in common or quick time, in conformity to some given word of command or signal. [Balance-step], is so called from the body being balanced upon one leg, in order to render it firm and steady in military movements, etc. Step is likewise figuratively used to signify promotion; as, the next step from a lieutenancy is a captaincy, from a captaincy a majority, etc.
Stettin. A fortified town of Prussia, capital of the province of Pomerania, on the left bank of the Oder, 78 miles northeast from Berlin. In 1121, Boleslas, duke of Poland, gained possession of it. The peace of Westphalia gave it to the Swedes. From them it passed to the Prussians, with whom, though not without some interruptions, it has since remained. In 1171 it was besieged by the Danes; in 1677 by the elector of Brandenburg; in 1713 by the Prussians; and from 1806 to 1813 it was occupied by the French.
Steward, Hospital. See [Hospital Steward].