TERTIATING a piece of ordnance, is to find whether it has its due thickness, at the vent, trunnions, and neck; if the trunnions and neck are in their due order, and the chase straight, &c.
TERTRE, Fr. A small rising ground that stands unconnected with any other.
TESSONS, Fr. Potsherds.
TESTAMENT Militaire, Fr. Among the French, a will which is made in the presence of two witnesses only, and is not committed to paper.
TESTIMONY. Verbal declaration given upon oath or honor before any court martial. The testimony of a witness should neither be influenced nor interrupted, and the precise words used by him should be written down in the proceedings without any alteration.
TESTUDO, in the military art of the ancients, was a kind of cover or screen, which the soldiers of each company made themselves of their bucklers, by holding them up over their heads, and standing close to each other. This expedient served to shelter them from darts, stones, &c. thrown upon them, especially those from above, when they went to the assault.
Testudo, was also a kind of large wooden tower, which moved on several wheels, and was covered with bullocks’ hides: it served to shelter the soldiers when they approached the walls to mine them, or to batter them with rams.
TETE, Fr. Head.
Tete du Camp, Fr. The head of the camp, or the front ground which looks towards the country; and where troops bivouac.
TETE de la Sappe, Fr. Head of the sap.