DEFINITIONS.
Alignment: A straight line upon which several elements are formed, or are to be formed; or the dressing of several elements upon a straight line.
Base: The element on which a movement is regulated.
Battle sight: The position of the rear sight when the leaf is laid down.
Center: The middle point or element of a command.
Column: A formation in which the elements are placed one behind another.
Deploy: To extend the front. In general to change from column to line, or from close order to extended order.
Depth: The space from head to rear of any formation, including the leading and rear elements. The depth of a man is assumed to be 12 inches.
Distance: Space between elements in the direction of depth. Distance is measured from the back of the man in front to the breast of the man in rear. The distance between ranks is 40 inches in both line and column.