Ancient history affords us several examples of this species of neutrality. During the civil wars between the adherents of Vespasian and those of Otho and Vitellius, various means of duplicity were resorted to. We likewise read of the same sort of conduct having been observed by the inhabitants of Corcyrus when they went to war with the Corinthians; and modern history is full of similar instances of specious neutrality. For further particulars on this interesting subject, especially on the conduct to be observed by neuters in war, see from page 531 to 533, of the English Translation of Hugo Grotius.
NICK-NAME, (Sobriquet, Fr.) A surname, which is used in ridicule or good humor, to distinguish an individual. Nicknames among military men are familiarly used in a collective sense. Thus the light infantry are called Light Bobs, the grenadiers Tow Rows, and the battalion-men Flat Foots; and in many instances whole corps have been particularized in this manner. The 28th of foot were familiarly called the Slashers; and a general Sir C. Grey, an officer in the British service, used to be nicknamed General No-Flint, from a circumstance which occurred during the American war, when he commanded a party which stole into an American camp at night, and instead of fighting like a soldier, assassinated the Americans while asleep. During the campaigns of 1793 and 1794, in Flanders, &c. the 15th regiment of light dragoons were called Young Eyes by the guards, who received or rather gave themselves the nick-name of Old Eyes.
NIGHER, Ind. any fortified city, measuring at least eight coss, or eight English miles, in length and breadth.
NIQUIBS, Ind. men whose military functions among the sepoys, correspond with those of corporals in the king’s service.
NITHING, a coward, or poltroon.
NITRE, See [Salt Petre], [Gunpowder].
NIVEAU, Fr. A level.
Niveau de la campagne, Fr. the level surface of a country is so called, in contradistinction to the talus or slope of any rising ground.
De Niveau, Fr. level, even.
Niveau d’eau, Fr. a water level. This instrument is extremely simple, and of great use to engineers in the construction of works.