Hammer, a piece of iron which stands in a perpendicular direction above the cover of the pan, being a part of the same, and serving to produce those sparks of fire that ultimately occasion the explosion of the gunpowder. The Germans call it pfannen deckel, the cover of the pan; but this expression does not convey a distinct and clear idea of the use that is made of it. Nothing, however, can be less appropriate than the term appears amongst us. We call the part which is struck against to produce sparks of fire the hammer; and the part which strikes, the cock; whereas that part of the cock which holds the flint is, in fact, the hammer, and the other is without a proper name. The Germans call the cock hahn. It is not within our province to propose new terms; we are therefore satisfied in having pointed out the contradiction.
Hammer-Spring, the spring on which the hammer of a gun-lock works. It is also called feather-spring.
HAMMOCK, (hamac, Fr.) a sort of bed made of cotton or canvas. Those used in America consisted of a broad piece of canvas which was suspended between two branches of a tree, or between two stakes, and in which the savages are accustomed to sleep.
Among sailors the hammock is about six feet long and three feet broad, and drawn together at the two ends, and hung horizontally under the deck for the sailors to repose in. In time of battle, the hammocks are strongly fastened and laid above the rails on the quarter-deck and forecastle, to barricade, and to prevent the execution of small shot.
HAMPE, ou HANTE, Fr. a shaft; a long stick to which any thing else is attached; as a sharp blade to form a halbert or pike.
HANCES, the ends of elliptical arches.
HAND. Among the Mysoreans the print of a hand is reckoned a form equivalent to an oath. The hand is one of their military ensigns, and always carried by their princes to war.
Hand, a measure of four inches, or of a clinched fist by which the height of a horse is computed. Thus horses are said to be so many hands high.
The sizes of military horses should run from 15 hands and 1 inch to 16 hands high, and the age 4 or 5 off, if possible.
Hand is also used for the division of a horse into the fore and hind parts. The parts of the fore-hand are the head, neck, and fore-quarters; and those of the hind-hand include all the other parts of his body.