Calmuc TARTARS. A free people inhabiting the borders of the Caspian Sea, and the banks of the river Wolga. They are under the immediate protection of Russia, and in consideration of the security they enjoy, they are obliged to serve when called upon. They consist of wandering hordes, live in tents, and are armed with bows and arrows. Some have rifle guns, with one or two pistols. But they are extremely cruel, and worse disciplined than the Cossacks.
TARTES, Fr. Bogs.
TAS, Fr. A heap. When the works of a fortification are lined with turf and fascines, &c. small beds of earth are previously prepared and laid one over another, till the necessary thickness is obtained; when completed it is called Tas de gazon ou de placage. A heap of turf or a [placage], which see. Tas is likewise used in a sense of contempt to signify a croud—Un tas de fainéans. A heap or croud of parasites.
Un Tas de mensonges. A heap of lies.
TASA, Ind. A kind of drum, formed from a semisphere of copper, hollowed out and covered with goat skin. It is hung before from the shoulders, and beat with two rattans.
TAS de charge, Fr. An arch made in a particular manner. It is generally found in Gothic buildings.
TASSEAU, Fr. A small anvil. It likewise signifies a bracket.
TASSES. Armor for the thighs, so called.
TASSETTE, Fr. A tass in armor.
TATTEE, Ind. A bamboo frame; which encloses an herb called jawassea or kuskus. Frames of this sort are made to put to the different openings of a room; they are shaped like a sash, and one being laid on a floor and covered with the kuskus grass, the other is laid upon it, and the two are tied together at the angles, which correspond with the panes; by throwing water against them, the hottest wind in passing through becomes cool, and the air is made fragrant by the kuskus.