Council of War, is an assembly of great officers called by a general, or commander, to deliberate with him on enterprizes and attempts to be made. On some occasions, council of war is also understood of an assembly of officers, sitting in judgment on delinquent soldiers, deserters, coward officers, &c.
War. This word is frequently prefixed or attached to things or persons, in order to distinguish their particular state or functions, viz.
War establishment. See [Establishment].
War minister. See [Secretary].
Secretary at War. An efficient character at the head of the war office, with whom all matters belonging to the army rest. See [Office].
War-Cry, was formerly customary in the armies of most nations, when they were just upon the point of engaging. Sometimes it consisted of tumultuous shouts, or horrid yells, uttered with an intent to strike terror into their adversaries; such as is now used by the Indians in America, called the war-whoop.
WARASDINS, a kind of Sclavonian soldiers, clothed like the Turks, with a sugar-loaf bonnet instead of a hat. Their arms are a fusee and pistols; the butt end of their fusee serves for a spade, when they have occasion to throw up earth.
To WARD. To guard; to watch; to defend; to parry any attack.
WARD. Watch; the act of guarding. A garrison or party stationed for defence of any place; a position of defence, or guard made by a weapon in fencing. That part of a lock, which, corresponding to the proper key, hinders any other from opening it. A district of a town; division of a building, &c. It is also used to denote one under the care and subject to the control of a guardian.
WARDEN. A keeper; a head officer.