MOTION. A word bearing the same signification as tems does in the French. It is peculiarly applicable to the manual and platoon exercise; as, draw ramrod, which is done in two motions:—Tirez la baguette en deux tems. Motion, in a military sense, is distinguished from movement, inasmuch as the former applies specifically to something done by an individual, with an instrument of war, as handling the firelock; whereas the latter is generally understood to mean the different changes, &c. which are made in evolutions, &c. Motion is the particular adjunct of the manual, and movement that of evolution. The French make the same distinction with respect to maniement.
Motion, mouvement, Fr. generally so called, a continual and successive change of place.
Motion, equal or uniform, (mouvement égal, ou uniforme) that by which a body moves over equal spaces in equal times; such are the motions of celestial bodies.
Motion absolute, (mouvement absolu, Fr.) is a mutation or change of absolute space, and its celerity is measured according to absolute space.
Motion relative, (mouvement relatif, Fr.) is a change or mutation of relative place, and its celerity is measured according to relative space.
Motion equally accelerated, (mouvement uniformément accéléré, Fr.) is such whose velocity equally increases in equal times.
Motion, equally retarded, (mouvement uniformément retardé) is such whose velocity equally decreases, in equal times, till the body comes to rest.
Motions of an army, (mouvemens d’une armée, Fr.) are the various changes which it undergoes in marching from one place to another; these are more generally understood by the word movement.
Motions of the firelock during the manual and platoon exercise. Motion in this sense is expressed by tems among the French. These consist of those prescribed methods which have been explained under [manual].
The new mode of carrying, (which is with nearly extended arm) is certainly less fatiguing than supporting arms; since the former leaves the circulation of the blood free, and the latter binds the soldier’s arm at the elbow. The French allow great latitude in the carrying of the firelock, especially in marching and manœuvring. The men are frequently permitted to slope arms.