The dragoons were clothed like other regular troops. Their coat was green, with cream-colored facings and scarlet linings; plain brass buttons, and aiguillette or tagged point, made of red worsted; a fawn colored waistcoat, edged round with scarlet; leather breeches; half-boots that were laced up to the calf of the leg; pinchbeck helmet, with a seal skin turban round it, and two rosettes made of pinchbeck; the top was adorned with horse-hair, which hung behind. Their arms consisted of a fusil with a bayonet, which was always fixed; two pistols and a sabre; the horse was covered with a wolf’s skin. The Ulans rode horses which were somewhat lower than those of the dragoons, and were more active.
At the commencement of the French revolution, particularly in 1792 and 1793, the Ulans belonging to the Imperial army that endeavored to penetrate into France, were the terror of the inhabitants all along the frontiers. The excesses which they committed, and the desolation they occasioned, rendered their very name a signal of alarm. They seldom gave quarter, and they never received it.
ULTIMATUM. A term used in negociations to signify the last condition or conditions upon which propositions, that have been mutually exchanged, can be finally ratified.
ULTRAMARINE. From beyond the sea—foreign. It is also the name of a very delicate sky blue powder made from lapis lazuli, and used in the drawing of plans, &c.
ULTRAMONTANE. Derived from the Latin Ultra, beyond, and Mons, mountain. This term is principally used in relation to Italy and France, which are separated by the Alps. According to Bayley, Ultramontanus is a name given by the Italians to all people who live beyond the Alps.
UMBO. The pointed boss or prominent part in the centre of a shield or buckler
UMBRIERE. The visor of a helmet.
UMPIRE. An arbitrator, or a power which interferes for the adjustment of a dispute or contest.
UNARMED. The state of being without armor or weapons.
To UNCASE. In a military sense to display, to exhibit—As to uncase the colors. It is opposed to the word, To Case, which signifies to put up—to enclose.