SPIRAL, (Spirale, Fr.) In architecture, a curve that ascends winding about a cone or spire, so that all the points thereof continually approach the axis.
Spiral Line, (Ligne spirale, Fr.) A curve line, which makes a circular movement like a screw, perpetually diverging or going off from its centre.
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| SPIRE, |
a line drawn progressively round the same axis, with a distance between each circle; as the thread of a screw. See [Screw].
SPOKES, the bars of a wheel that pass from the nave to the felly.
SPONTOON, is a spear formerly used instead of a half-pike, by officers of infantry; when the spontoon was planted, the regiment halted; when pointed forwards, the regiment marched; and when pointed backwards, the regiment retreated.
To SPRAWL, to widen out in an irregular and unsoldier-like manner. This term is chiefly applicable to the cavalry.
SPRAWLING. Loose, unconnected, wide of each other.
A SPRAWLING charge, a loose and irregular movement of cavalry, instead of a close, compact, forward attack.
To SPRING. To give vent to any combustible matter upon which gunpowder principally acts by the power of explosion. Hence to spring globes of compression, &c. The latter are frequently used for the same purposes that skyrockets, &c. are, viz. to serve as signals when any sudden attack is to be made.