To break the Line, to change the direction from that of a straight line, in order to obtain a cross fire.
Turning out of the Line, in a military sense. The line turns out without arms whenever the general commanding in chief comes along the front of the camp.
In the British army the following is the usage:
When the line turns out, the private men are drawn up in a line with the bells of arms; the corporals on the right and left of their respective companies: the piquet forms behind the colors, with their accoutrements on, but without arms.
The serjeants draw up one pace in the front of the men, dividing themselves equally.
The officers draw up in ranks, according to their commissions, in the front of the colors; two ensigns taking hold of the colors.
The field officers advance before the captains.
The camp colors on the flanks of the parade are to be struck, and planted opposite to the bells of arms; the officers espontoons are to be planted between the colors, and the drums piled up behind them; the halberts are to be planted between, and on each side the bells of arms, and the hatchets turned from the colors.
Full or close Lines, (lignes pleines, Fr.) Marshal Puységur in his Art de la Guerre is a strong advocate for full or close lines, in his disposition of the order of battle, provided the ground will admit it. He proposes, in fact, that the battalions of infantry and the squadrons of horse should form one continuity of line, without leaving the least interval between them.
Lines that are close and open, (lignes tant pleines que vuides, Fr.) When troops are drawn up in order of battle with intervals between the battalions and squadrons, the lines are said to be close and open.