PICS-Hoyaux, Fr. Different sorts of pick-axes used by the pioneers.
PIECE, (Piéce, Fr.) This word is variously used, in a military sense, by the French and English, viz.
Un homme armé de toutes PIECES, Fr. a man armed at all points, or cap-a-pied.
Pieces d’honneur, Fr. the insignia or marks of honor. These consist of the crown, sceptre, and sword.
PIECES of Ordnance are all sorts of great guns and mortars.
Battering Pieces are the large guns which serve at sieges to make breaches, such as the 24-pounder, and the culverin, which carries 18lb. ball.
Garrison-Pieces, are mostly heavy 12, 18, 24, 36, and 42-pounders, besides wall guns.
Field-Pieces are twelve pounders, demi-culverins, six pounders, sakers, minions, and three pounders, which move with an army, and are parked behind the second line when it encamps, but are advanced in front, in the intervals of battalions, &c. and on the flanks in the day of battle.
Regimental Pieces, are light 6 pounders: each regiment has generally two of these pieces. See Am. Mil. Lib.
PIECE is likewise used to express a soldier’s musquet.