TORPEDO. A military machine for defence, invented by Mr. Robert Fulton, an American; there are various kinds adapted to positions and methods of defence or attack; the machine is a case of copper, oblong, and containing 100 lbs. or more of powder; to the end of the case is a kind of lock about the size of a parlor door brass lock, inside of which are clock works so formed as to be set to any number of seconds or minutes required, which being expired, the gunpowder in the case is exploded, and all above is torn to pieces by the explosion.
TORSE, Fr. This word means literally, twisted. In architecture it signifies a pillar, the body of which, or the part between the base and the capitals is surrounded with concave and convex circular lines.
TORTOISE. See [Testudo].
TORTS, Fr. See [Wrongs].
TORTUE, Fr. Literally means tortoise. It likewise signifies the testudo, or tortoise, a warlike machine which was used among the ancients.
TORTUE d’hommes, Fr. A particular formation which was formerly adopted by the besieged when they made a sortie.
TORTUE de Mer, Fr. A sort of vessel which has its deck raised in such a manner, that it resembles the roof of a house, beneath which soldiers and passengers may conveniently stand or sit with their baggage in bad weather.
TOSHA Khanna, Ind. Store-room, wardrobe.
TOSTE, Fr. A rowing bench in a boat. It is likewise called Toste de Chaloupe.
TOUCH-HOLE. The vent through which the fire is conveyed to the powder in the chamber of a gun.