RECETTE, Fr. a trough, which persons employed in preparing saltpetre, &c. place beneath tubes filled with broken rubbish, ashes, &c., for the purpose of receiving the liquid that is filtered through.

RECHARGE, a renewal of the charge or attack.

RECHAUD, Fr. a chaffing dish, or pan used for various purposes, particularly during a siege. They are filled with burning materials and hung in different parts of the walls, so as to throw light into the ditches, and to prevent surprizes.

RECHUTE, Fr. literally means a second fall; but in fortification it signifies a greater elevation of the rampart in those spots where it is likely to be commanded.

RECIPIANGLE, Fr. recipient angle. A geometrical instrument, which is much used among the French, for taking the quantities of angles, especially in drawing plans of fortification. It consists of two moveable rules, made in the shape of a square rule. The centre of one of its hands is marked by a semi-circle, which is divided into 180 degrees.

RECIPIENDAIRE, Fr. One who offers himself for any office or appointment.

RECOIL, (recul, Fr.) a falling back. The retrograde motion made by any piece of firearms on being discharged, which is a consequence of the rarefied air pressing on all sides, in order to expand itself with freedom. This term is generally applicable to firearms, especially to pieces of ordnance, which are always subject to a recoil, according to the sizes and the charge they contain, &c. Guns whose vents are a little forward in the chase, recoil most. To lessen the recoil of a gun the platforms are generally made sloping towards the embrasures of the battery.

To RECOIL, reculer, Fr. To fall back, to run back in consequence of resistance or repercussion.

Recoil of Field Guns on travelling carriages, upon Elm Planks.

Kind.Charge.1 shot,
at 1° 30′
Elevation.		2 shot,
at 1° 30′
Elevation.		Case shot,
at 3° 45′
Elevation.
lbs.oz.Feet.Feet.Feet.
12 Pr. Medium4—12258¹⁄₂
 6 Pr. Heavy2— 7117¹⁄₂
 6 Pr. Light18122110
 3 Pr. Heavy1— 7 53¹⁄₂