FIRE, in the art of war, a word of command to soldiers of all denominations, to discharge their fire arms, grenades, cannon, &c.
Fire, is also used to denote the discharge of all sorts of fire arms against the enemy. The fire of the infantry is by a regular discharge of their fire-locks, in platoons, divisions, &c. that of the cavalry, with their pistols; and that of a place besieged with their artillery.
Fire of the curtain or second flank, is from that part of the curtain comprehended between the face of the bastion prolonged and the angle of the flank; frequently called the line of defence fichant.
Fire rasant, is produced by firing the artillery and small arms in a line parallel with the horizon, or parallel with those parts of the works you are defending.
Fire-arms, are all kinds of arms charged with powder and ball; every one of which is mentioned under its respective head.
Running-Fire, is when a rank or ranks of men, drawn up, fire one after another; or when the lines of an army are drawn out to fire on account of a victory; when each squadron or battalion takes it from that on its right, from the right of the first line to the left, and from the left to the right of the second line; also called feu de joie.
Fire-balls. See [Balls].
Fire-cross, an ancient token in Scotland for the nation to take up arms.
Fire-ship, a ship filled with a variety of combustibles to set fire to the vessels of the enemy.
Fire-ship. Proportion of combustible stores for a fire-ship of 150 tons.