FLAT-bottomed boats, in military affairs, are made to swim in shallow water, and to carry a great number of troops, artillery, ammunition, &c. They are constructed in the following manner: a 12-pounder, bow chase, an 18 ditto, stern chase; 90 to 100 feet keel; 12 to 24 ditto beam; 1 mast, a large square main-sail; a jib-sail: they are rowed by 18 or 20 oars, and can each carry 400 men. The gun takes up one bow, and a bridge the other, over which the troops are to march. Those that carry horses have therefore parts of the boats made to open.
FLAW, any crack or small opening in a gun or its carriage is so called.
FLEAU, Fr. the beam, or balance of a pair of scales.
There are some fleaux or scales among the French, which hold 6000 lb. weight in one scale, and 6000 lb. weight of ammunition in the other, making together 12000 weight.
Fleau de fer, an iron instrument or weapon, that resembles in shape the flails with which corn is thrashed.
FLECHE, in field fortification, a work of two faces, usually raised in the field, to cover the quarter guards of a camp or advanced post.
FLETCHER. See [Bowyer].
FLIGHT, is used figuratively for the swift retreat of an army or any party from a victorious enemy.
To put to Flight, to force your enemy to quit the field of battle.
Flight, is likewise applicable to missile weapons or shot, as a flight of arrows, a flight of bombs, &c.