DICTATOR, a magistrate of Rome, made in times of exigence and public distress, and invested with absolute authority.
DIFFERENCE. The sum paid by an officer in the British service, when he exchanges from half to full pay. It likewise means the regulation price between an inferior and a superior commission. Officers who retire upon half pay, and take the difference, subject themselves to many incidental disadvantages, should they wish to return into active service.
DIGGING. See [Mining].
DIGLADIATION, a combat with swords.
DIGUON, Fr. a staff at the end of which is suspended a vane or streamer. This term is properly marine.
DIKE or Dyke, a channel to receive water, also a dam or mound, to prevent inundation. See [Fortification].
DIMACHÆ, in ancient military affairs, were a kind of horsemen, answering to the dragoons of the moderns.
DIMICATION. See [Battle].
To DIMINISH or increase the front of a battalion, is to adapt the column of march or manœuvre according to the obstructions and difficulties which it meets in advancing. This is one of the most important movements, and a battalion which does not perform this operation with the greatest exactness and attention, so as not to lengthen out in the smallest degree, is not fit to move in the column of a considerable corps.
DIRECTEUR General, Fr. A military post of nominal importance which was originally instituted by Louis XIV. This charge was entrusted to eight lieutenant generals, four to command and superintend the infantry, and four for the cavalry. They possessed, however, little or no authority over the army in general; being subordinate in some degree to the general officer whose corps they might inspect, and to whom they rendered a correct account of its interior œconomy. They were likewise assisted by Inspectors general. The four directors were afterwards replaced by the inspectors, from a principle of œconomy. The permanent ones of that appellation were: director general of the royal artillery school; director general of military hospitals; director general of fortification; director general of the cavalry; director general of stores.