LEGIONARY, any thing appertaining to a legion, or containing an indefinite number.
LEGUMES, Fr. vegetables, roots, grain, &c. Every species of subsistence, which under the old government of France, was not provided for the troops by direct instructions from the war office, and at the expence of the public, was called legumes. Subsistence of this sort, however, may more properly be called that diet which soldiers got for themselves in foreign countries during actual hostilities.
Legumes, or vegetable food, &c. was classed under two specific heads. That which grew in consequence of the ground having been tilled and sowed, and that which rose spontaneously from the earth. Beans, peas, carrots, &c. may be considered as belonging to the first class, and those herbs or wild roots which have been cultivated in gardens, or are to be found in woods, &c. may come under the second. The latter sort, indeed, was frequently resorted to by the soldier in order to give a seasoning to his mess. Parties under the command of subaltern officers were permitted to accompany the foragers for the purpose of procuring this wholesome and pleasant addition to the regulated subsistence; and when there were not any foraging days, soldiers were permitted to gather roots and vegetables within the limits of the outermost house or vedette quarters, or of the regular outposts of the infantry.
To LENGTHEN out, in a military sense, means to stride out.
To Lengthen the step, to take more than the prescribed pace.
LESKAR, the camp of the great Mogul.
To LET in, to admit; as he let some of the enemy’s advanced parties in, or into the camp, &c.
To Let off, to discharge.
To Let off a pistol or musquet, to fire either of those fire arms.
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