SERPE, Fr. A billhook.
Serpe d’armes, Fr. An offensive weapon; so called from its resemblance to a hedging bill.
SERPENTEAU, Fr. A round iron circle, with small spikes, and squibs attached to them. It is frequently used in the attack and defence of a breach. It likewise means a fusee, which is filled with gunpowder, and is bent in such a manner, that when it takes fire, it obtains a circular rapid motion, and throws out sparks of light in various directions.
Serpenteaux et serpenteaux brochettes, Fr. A species of lardon or fusee, which is garnished or loaded upon a stick or spit that is a third of the length of the cartridge.
SERPENTIN, Fr. The cock of a musquet or firelock.
SERRE-File, Fr. The last rank of a battalion, by which its depth is ascertained, and which always forms its rear. When ranks are doubled, the battalion resumes its natural formation by means of the serre-files. Serre-file literally signifies a bringer up.
Serre demi File, Fr. That rank in a battalion which determines the half of its depth, and which marches before the demi-file. Thus a battalion standing six deep, has its serre-demi file in the third rank, which determines its depth.
Capitaine de Serre-File, Fr. The officer who commands a rear guard when a regiment is on its march.
SERRER, Fr. To close up. Serrez vos rangs. Take close order.
Serrer la bride, Fr. To pull in the bridle.