| The Word, | - | |
| Watch Word, |
Is a peculiar word that serves for a token and mark of distinction, given out in the orders of the day in times of peace, but in war every evening in the field, by the general who commands, and in garrison by the governor, or other officer commanding in chief, to prevent surprise, and hinder an enemy, or any treacherous person, to pass backwards and forwards. This watchword is generally called the parole, and to which is added the countersign. The first is known to all officers and non-commissioned officers, the latter only to the centinels. The officers that go the rounds, or patroles, exchange the word with the officers on duty; nor must the centinels let any one pass who has not got the countersign.
Words of command, (Mots de commandement, Fr.) Certain terms which have been adopted for the exercise and movement of military bodies, according to the nature of each particular service. Words of command are classed under two principal heads, and consist of those which are given by the chief or commander of a brigade, battalion, or division, and of those which are uttered by the subordinate leaders of troops or companies, &c.
Cautionary Words, (Commandement d’advertissement, Fr.) Certain leading instructions which are given to designate any particular manœuvre. The cautionary words precede the words of command, and are issued by the chiefs of corps.
WORKMEN. Are persons that attend the ammunition, boatsmen, carpenters, smiths, millers, bakers, waggoners, miners, pioneers, &c.
When soldiers are employed upon fatigue, or working parties, the drums and fifes, &c., should invariably play to time and measure. According to marshal Saxe, they should be relieved at the expiration of two hours and an half; by which means the individuals are less harrassed, and all the troops share alike. With regard to accompanying them in their labor with music, the policy of it is warranted by antiquity. The Lacædemonians, with a detachment of only three thousand men, under the command of Lysander, destroyed the famous Pyræus of Athens in less than six hours. During the whole of the operation, the flutes were playing, to enliven and encourage the troops. This custom existed in France to a late period among the galley-slaves at Marseilles; who, whilst they were employed in removing enormous loads of rubbish, &c. were constantly accompanied by musical instruments and drums. Marsh. Saxe’s Reveries, pages 157 and 158.
WORKS. This term is generally understood to comprehend the fortifications about the body of a place; as by outworks are meant those without the first inclosure. The word is also used to signify the approaches of the besiegers, and the several lines, trenches, &c. made round a place, an army, or the like, for its security.
To WORM a Gun, (Décharger un canon avec la tire-bourre, Fr.) To take out the charge of a firearm by means of a worm.
Worm of a Gun, (Tire-bourre, Fr.) An instrument vermiculated or turned round, that serves to extract any thing into which it insinuates itself by means of a spiral direction. It is much the same as wad-hook, with this difference, that the one is more proper for small-arms, and the other for ordnance.
To WORST. To defeat, to overthrow.