Naval Architecture, is the art of building the hull, or body of the ship, distinct from her machinery and furniture for sailing; and may properly be comprehended in three principal articles. 1. To give the ship such a figure, or outward form, as may be most suitable to the service for which she is intended. 2. To find the exact shape of the pieces of timber necessary to compose such a fabric. 3. To make convenient apartments for the artillery, ammunition, provisions, and cargo: together with suitable accommodations for the officers and men.
ARCHITRAVE, the master beam, or chief supporter, in any part of a subterraneous fortification.
AREA, the superficial content of any rampart, or other work of a fortification.
ARIGOT, Fr. a fife or flute.
ARM—Military writers use this word to signify a particular species of troops—thus the artillery is an arm, and the cavalry, and infantry, and rifle men are each called an arm; but this use of the word is now deemed quaint.
Arm, in geography, denotes a branch of the sea, or of a river.
Arm is also used figuratively to denote power.
To Arm, to take arms, to be provided against an enemy.
ARMADA, a Spanish term, signifying a fleet of men of war, applied particularly to that great one fitted out by the Spaniards, with an intention to conquer England in 1588, and which was first dispersed by a terrible storm, several of the ships wrecked on the coasts of England and Ireland, and many overtaken and defeated by the English fleet, under admirals Howard and Drake.
ARMADILLA, a Spanish term, signifying a small squadron.