SUBORDINATION. A perfect submission to the orders of superiors; a perfect dependence, regulated by the rights and duties of every military man, from the soldier to the general. Subordination should shew the spirit of the chief in all the members; and this single idea, which is manifest to the dullest apprehension, suffices to shew its importance. Without subordination it is impossible that a corps can support itself; that its motions can be directed, order established, or the service carried on. In effect, it is subordination that gives a soul and harmony to the service: it adds strength to authority, and merit to obedience; and while it secures the efficacy of command, reflects honor upon its execution. It is subordination which prevents every disorder, and procures every advantage to an army.
SUBSIDIARY troops. Troops of one nation assisting those of another for a given sum or subsidy.
To SUBSIST. In a military sense, to give pay or allowance, &c. to soldiers; as a captain of the light company will subsist 20 men belonging to other companies, for so many days during the march. The French do not use the term in the same sense.
SUBSISTANCE des piéces, Fr. This term is used among the French to signify the pay or allowance which is given to the officer, bombardier, and men belonging to the train of artillery who serve the batteries.
SUBSISTENCE, (Subsistance, Fr.) in a military sense of the word may be divided into two sorts, viz. That species of subsistence which is found in the adjacent country: such as forage, and frequently corn that is distributed in parcels; and that which is provided at a distance, and regularly supplied by means of a well-conducted commissariat. The latter consists chiefly of meat, bread, beer, &c. To these may be added wood or coals, and straw, which are always wanted in an army. Every general will take proper precautions to have his men well supplied with these first necessaries in life. Baron d’Espagnac has written at large upon this important subject. See Elemens Militaires, tom. i. page 162; and that writer’s Suite de l’essai sur la science de la Guerre, tom. i. page 246.
Subsistence likewise means pay or allowance.
SUBSTITUTE in the militia. A person who voluntarily serves in the room of another.
SUBSTITUTION, Fr. An algebraical term used by the French, signifying to substitute in an equation any quantity in the room of another, which is equal to it, but which is differently expressed.
SUBTANGENT, in any curve, is the line which determines the intersection of the tangent in the axis prolonged.
SUBTENSE, (Soutendante, Fr.) A geometrical term signifying the base of an angle, that is to say, a strait line opposite to an angle, which is supposed to be drawn from the two extremes of the section that measures it. Likewise the chord of an arch; that which is extended under any thing.