The French regulation took place on the 1st of April 1705, and was again renewed, with additional clauses, on the 20th of January 1741, on the 1st of December 1746, on the 17th of February 1753, and on the 9th of March 1757. The curious are referred to a French publication, intitled Elemens Militaires.
Before the abolition of the French monarchy, it was usual for officers belonging to the line in that service, to mess together according to their several ranks; the colonel excepted, who had a private table to which he occasionally invited the officers of the corps. A regular roster was kept for this purpose. The lieutenant-colonel and major uniformly messed with the captains; the different tables were generally composed of eight or ten officers of the same rank. The lieutenants dined together; so did the sub-lieutenants; each paying towards the mess in proportion to the receipt of daily subsistence.
Table de capitaine de vaisseau, Fr. A mess or table which was regularly provided at the public expence, for the superior officers who served on board.
Table d’hote, Fr. An ordinary.
Tenir Table ouverte, Fr. To keep open house.
Table en saille, Fr. In architecture, a table which juts out of the facing of a wall, or of a pedestal.
Table fouillee, Fr. That which instead of being saliant is indented: it is commonly adorned with a border.
Table d’attente, Fr. See [Rusticated Table].
Crowned Table. In architecture, one which is covered with a cornice, and in which is cut a basso relievo; or a piece of black marble incrustated for an inscription.
Razed Table. In architecture, an embossment in a frontispiece for the putting an inscription, or other ornament in sculpture.