(Deténte, Fr.) The catch, which being pulled, disengages the cock of a gun-lock, that it may strike fire.
Hair Trigger, (détente à cheveux, Fr.) The hair trigger is generally used for rifles, when there is a great nicety required in shooting. The difference between a hair-trigger and a common trigger is this—the hair-trigger, when set, lets off the cock by the slightest touch, whereas the common trigger requires a considerable degree of force, and consequently is longer in its operation.
TRICOISSES, Fr. Pincers used by farriers.
TRICOT, Fr. A cudgel.
TRICOLORE, Fr. Three-colored. Hence the tricolor-cockade, which was adopted by the French at the commencement of their revolution. It consists of sky-blue, pink, and white and was emblematical of the three estates, nobility, clergy, and people. The armies still wear the tricolor, although the first order, or the nobility, was abolished 10th of August, 1792; however, Bonaparte has re-established a new nobility, and a new device on his standards, which is an eagle; conformable to his peculiar interests or policy.
TRIER, Fr. To pick and chuse. Hence, trier les plus beaux soldats, to pick out the finest soldiers. Triage is used as the substantive, signifying the act of picking and chusing.
TRIGON, a triangle. Hence,
TRIGONOMETRY, (Trigonométrie, Fr.) The art of measuring triangles, or of calculating the sides of any triangle sought. This is either plain or spherical.
TRILATERAL. Having three sides.
TRIMESTRE, Fr. A space of three months.