LIMITS, in a military sense, is that distance which a sentry is allowed on his post, namely 50 paces to the right, and as many to the left.
LINCH-pin, in artillery, that which passes through the ends of the arms of an axle-tree, to keep the wheels or trucks from slipping off in travelling.
Linch-clout, in artillery, the flat iron under the end of the arms of an axle-tree, to strengthen them, and to diminish the friction of the wheels.
LINDEN TREE. The wood used in artificial fire-works, &c.
LINE, in geometry, signifies length, without any supposed breadth or depth. A straight or right line is the shortest way from one point to another. A curved or crooked line is that which deviates from the shortest way, and embraces a greater space between one point and another. A perpendicular line is a straight line, which falling upon another line does not incline either to one side or the other. Parallel lines are lines which are at equal distances from one another, in such a manner, that although they may be prolonged ad infinitum, they never can meet.
Euclid’s second book treats mostly of lines, and of the effects of their being divided, and again multiplied into one another.
Horizontal Line is that which is spread upon the plane of the horizon; such, for instance, are those lines that may be supposed to form the level surface of a plain.
Inclined Line, (ligne inclineé, Fr.) is that line which leans or is raised obliquely upon the plane of the horizon, and which might resemble the sloping or declivity of a hillock.
Oblique Line, (ligne oblique, Fr.) a straight line which leans more to one side than another the instant it is brought into contact with any other line.
Line tangent, (ligne tangente, Fr.) a straight line, which, without intersecting it meets a curve at one point, and does not enter, but barely touches it.