In ancient times this weapon was frequently resorted to by whole armies when they engaged. At present it is only used on particular occasions, in sorties, &c. or boarding ships.
Hache, Fr. A term which was formerly used among the French to express a certain punishment that military delinquents were obliged to undergo. It consisted in being loaded with a pack or saddle, which the guilty person was under the necessity of carrying a specified distance, and which entailed disgrace upon the bearer.
HACHER, Fr. to cut to pieces. This word is very frequently used among the French in a military sense, viz.
Un bataillon, ou un escadron s’est fait Hacher en pièces, a battalion, or a squadron has suffered itself to be cut to pieces.
They likewise make use of the expression in familiar discourse, as speaking of truth, viz
On se feroit Hacher en pièces pour la verite; one would be cut to pieces for the support of truth.
HACHEREAU, Fr. a small hatchet.
HACKERY, an Indian two wheel carriage or cart, drawn by oxen.
HACQUETON. See [Hatchet].
HACQUET-WAGEN, a four-wheeled waggon, which is used in the Prussian service to convey pontoons. The under-frame of this carriage is built like that of a chariot, by which means it can turn without difficulty.