HARBOR, in military architecture, a port or haven for shipping. The making and inclosing harbors with piers, so as to resist the winds and waves, for the preservation of ships in stormy weather, is one of the most useful and necessary works that can be made in a trading nation; since the security of their wealth and power depends greatly upon it. Hence it should be the particular study of every young engineer, who is desirous of being useful to his country, or of distinguishing himself, to render himself master of this branch of business. The works principally recommended to his attention are L’Architecture Hydraulique, par M. Belidor; Essai sur la Resistance des Fluides, par M. d’Alembert, Maclaurin, and Muller.
HARCARRAH. In India, a messenger employed to carry letters, and otherwise entrusted with matters of consequence that require secrecy and punctuality. They are very often Bramins, well acquainted with the neighboring countries; they are sent to gain intelligence, and are used as guides in the field.
HARDI, Fr. In French architecture, an epithet which is frequently attached to those sorts of works that, notwithstanding their apparent delicacy of construction, their great extent and wonderful height, remain uninjured for a succession of years. Gothic churches are of this description.
HARE, an old Saxon term for an army.
HARNESS, armor, or defensive furniture of war. Also the traces for horses of draught.
Harness. For men in the light artillery, one set, 26 lbs. length 12 feet. Wheel harness for a pair of horses, such as was used in the service of artillery, about 1 cwt.
HARNOIS, Fr. harness. This word was formerly used among the French to signify the complete armor or equipment of a horseman, including the cuirass, helmet, &c. The term, however is still adapted in a figurative sense: as, Cet ancien officier a blanchi sous le harnois—This old officer has grown grey beneath his harness, or equipment; signifying that he has grown old in the service.
Harnois du Cheval, Fr. Military equipment for a horse. There are some curious remarks on this subject in the Reveries de Mareschal Saxe.
HARO, Fr. hue and cry.
HAROL. An indian term signifying the officer who commands the van of an army. It sometimes means the vanguard itself.