Mestre de Camp général des dragons, Fr. An appointment which first took place under Louis the XIVth. in 1684.
MESURES à poudre, Fr. Tin cases or vessels used in the artillery, to measure out gunpowder, according to the size and calibre of each piece of ordnance. See [Powder Measures].
Over-METAL, (in gunnery,) when the mouth of a piece of ordnance, in disparting it, lies higher than the breech, it is then said to be laid over metal.
Under-Metal, (in gunnery) is when the mouth of a piece of ordnance lies lower than her breech.
Right with Metal, (in gunnery.) When a piece of ordnance lies truly level, point blank, or right with the mark, she is said to lie right with her metal.
Superficies of Metals, (in gunnery.) The surface or outside of a gun.
METIER, Fr. Means, literally, any calling or business. In a military sense, it is peculiarly applicable to those nations which keep up large standing armies, and make war their principal object and pursuit. In speaking of military matters, it is common among the French to say—Guerre sur terre est notre métier; Guerre sur mer est le métier des Anglois—The land service is our peculiar business or calling; the sea service is the peculiar business or calling of the English; meaning thereby to express their reciprocal superiority.
Chevalier Folard gives the following definition relative to the question which is often discussed on the subject of war, namely, whether war be a trade or a science? The English call it a profession. Folard, however, distinguishes it in this manner:—La guerre est un métier pour les ignorans, et une science pour les habiles gens. War in the apprehension, and under the management of ignorant persons, is certainly a mere trade or business, but among able men, it becomes an important branch of science.
METTRE à la main, Fr. To grasp or take hold of any thing.
Mettre l’épée à la main, Fr. To draw swords. Ils mirent l’épée à la main, a figurative expression, signifying, they took their ground, and stood prepared to fight.