Plaster, in building, a substance made of water and some absorbent matter, such as chalk or lime, well pulverised, with which walls are overlaid.
PLASTRON, a piece of leather stuffed, used by fencing-masters, to receive thereon the pushes made at them by their pupils.
Plastron, Fr. A breast plate or half cuirass. In the old French service the gens d’armes, the heavy cavalry, the light horse, &c. were obliged to wear breast-plates on all occasions at reviews, &c. The hussars were an exception to this order which took place on the 28th of May, 1733. In the original order, dated the 1st of February, 1703, it was particularly specified, that in order to be accustomed to their weight, the above-mentioned corps should wear half cuirasses in time of peace. The captains of troops were obliged to keep the half cuirasses belonging to their men in constant repair.
PLAT, ate, Fr. Flat, level, low. The flat side of any thing; as, Plat de Sabre.
Plat pays. A flat or low country. It is generally used among the French to signify that extent, or space of country, on which scattered houses and villages are built, in contradistinction to towns and fortified places. It is likewise used in opposition to a mountainous country. Les soldats de la garnison vivoient aux dépens du plat pays. The soldiers of the garrison lived upon the adjacent villages or country.
Punir à PLAT de Sabre. To punish a man by striking him with the flat side of a sabre blade. The French likewise say, des coups de plat d’epée. Blows given with the flat side of a sword. This mode of punishing is frequently adopted in foreign services, particularly among the Germans. M. de St. Germain, minister of the war department under Louis XVI. attempted to introduce it in France, but it was resisted by the army at large.
Battre à PLATE couture, Fr. To gain a complete and decided victory, or to beat an enemy so as to kill or take almost every man he had to oppose. Hence, une armée battue à plate couture, Fr. An army completely routed and undone.
Plat de l’équipage d’un vaisseau, Fr. A dish or mess, consisting of seven rations or portions put together, and served out for the subsistence of seven men, on board French ships of war.
Etre mis au PLAT des malades sur mer, Fr. To be put upon the sick list on board a king’s ship; or to receive such rations as were ordered to be served out to the sick.
PLATAIN, Fr. Flat coast. A spot near the sea which is well calculated for a descent. As Le Platain de d’Angoulin, and the Platain de Chatelaillon, near Rochelle.