FLAG-STAFF, the staff on which the flag is fixed.
FLAM, a word formerly made use of in the British service, signifying a particular tap or beat upon the drum, according to which each battalion went through its firings or evolutions. The practice is laid aside, as only a matter of mere parade without any practical utility; too often employed by officers to cover their ignorance or incapacity, or to indulge their indolence; therefore it is the usage now wherever discipline is well understood and practised, for every battalion, troop or company to be exercised by specific words of command, delivered in a distinct and audible tone of voice.
FLAMME, or ORIFLAMME, Fr. in the old French marine establishment, was a mark of distinction which exclusively belonged to the French king’s ships.
Flamme, ou pendant, Fr. Bolting cloth or ticking. It is a long streamer which generally hangs either from the topmast head, and serves for ornament, or to give signals.
FLAMBEAU, a torch.
FLANC du bastion, Fr. See [flank of the bastion].
| Flanc | - | bas, | - | See [Retired Flanc]. | ||
| couvert, | ||||||
| retiré, |
FLANKS, in the art of war and in fortification, are of several denominations, according to their uses, viz.
Flanks of an army. Certain proportions of offensive or defensive forces which are extended to the right and left of a main body, and ought to be posted in such a manner, that it would be certain ruin to the enemy were he to attempt any impression between them. In a more confined sense, the troops which are stationed on the right and left of each line of encampment. See [Wings].
Flank-files, are the two first men on the right and the two last men on the left, telling downwards from the right, of a line, battalion, company, division, subdivision or section. When a battalion is drawn up three deep, its flank files consist of three men, or as the French call its file and demi-file. When four deep, the flank files are termed double files; so that a column formed from any of these alignements will have all its relative flank files, be the depth of formation what it will.