Ouvrir les rangs, Fr. To take open order.
En arriére, Ouvrez vos rangs, Fr. Rear ranks take open order.
S’aligner à rangs OUVERTS, Fr. To aligne or dress in line at open order.
A jour OUVRANT. At break of day.
A portes OUVRANTES. At the opening of the gates.
OUVRIERS, Fr. All sorts of artificers and workmen employed in fortification, &c. are so called.
OXFORD Blues. See [Horse Guards].
OXYCRAT, Fr. A certain portion of vinegar to five or six times its quantity of water. This mixture is frequently used on service, and in hot weather, to allay the burning heat of any inflamed part. It is likewise employed to cool cannon, during an engagement, in very hot firing.
OXYGENE. The chemical base of vital air with which nitre is found to abound, and to which gunpowder owes its rapid and perfect combustion.
King’s or queen’s Own, a term which has been attached to some British regiments since the revolution in 1688. Thus the 4th, which landed with William III. was called the 4th, or King’s Own.