To INCLINE, in a military sense, means to gain ground to the flank, as well as to the front. Inclining is of great use in the marching of the line in front, to correct any irregularities that may happen. It is equivalent to the quarter facing and to the oblique marching of the infantry. It enables you to gain the enemy’s flank without exposing your own, or without wheeling or altering the parallel front of the squadron.
Right (or left) Incline. A word of command in cavalry movements, when each man makes a half-face on his horse’s fore feet, by which means each will appear to be half a head behind his flank leader; and the whole will look to the hand to which they are to incline. It must be generally observed, that the leading officer on the flank, with a glance of his eye ascertaining his points, marches steadily upon them, at whatever pace is ordered: every other man in the squadron moves in so many parallel lines, with respect to him, and preserves the same uniformity of front and files, as when he first turned his horse’s head.
At no time of the incline ought the former front of the squadron, or distance of files to be altered.
In the incline, the rear rank moves in the same manner, and is of course regulated by the front rank, which it takes care to conform to.
Whenever a squadron inclines it must not pass an angle of 34° with respect to its former direction, unless it should be required to gain as much or more ground to the flank as to the front. The distance of files at six inches allows the squadron to incline in perfect order, while its new direction does not go beyond the angle specified. When more is required to be taken, the squadron must either wheel up, and march upon the flank point, or it will fall more or less into file, according to the degree of obliquity required, by moving each horse retired, half neck, or head to boot.
INCLINED Plane. See [Gunnery].
INCLUSIVE, comprehended in the sum or number; thus when the abstracts were made out for 60 and 61 days, they generally ran from the 24th of one month to the 24th of the second month, including the last 24th only. Since the new British regulation, the muster, as also the abstract, is taken from the 25th of one month to the 24th of the following month, both days inclusive.
INCOMMENSURABLE. That cannot be measured, or be reduced to any proportion or equal measure with another.
INCOMPETENT. Incapable, unfit, unequal. No officer, be his situation what it may, (from a general inclusive to the lowest non-commissioned) can be said to be competent to command, who is not only willing and able to follow orders himself, but will likewise see them strictly adhered to by others; whose mind is not superior to partialities, and whose judgment is not equal to discern real merit from ignorant assumption. Every soldier is incompetent to his profession who does not possess a spirit of subordination, and cool determined bravery.
INCOMPLETE, opposed to [complete], which see.