The numbers in the first line of the table are units, and those in the first column of the left side of the table tens; the other numbers, under the one, and opposite to the others, are the respective diameters of shot and calibres. Thus, to find the diameter of the shot, and the calibre of a 24 pr. look for the number 2 on the left-hand side, and for 4 at top; then the number 5.547, under 4, and opposite 2, will be the diameter of the shot in inches and decimals, and the number 5.824, under the first, the calibre of a 24-pounder &c. DIAMETERS _of the Bullets and Calibres of English musquets_. +-+----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+ | | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | +-+----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+ |0| 0 |1.671|1.326|1.158|1.05 | .977| .919| .873| .835| .803| +-+----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+ |1|.715| .?51| .730| .711| .693| .677| .663| .650| .637| .626| +-+----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+ |2|.615| .605| .596| .587| .579| .571| .564| .557| .550| .544| +-+----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+ |3|.538| .536| .526| .521| .517| .511| .506| .501| .497| .493| +-+----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+ The diameter of musquet bores differs about ¹⁄₅₀th part from that of the bullet. DIAMETER _of powder measures_. See POWDER MEASURES. DICTATOR, a magistrate of Rome, made in times of exigence and public distress, and invested with absolute authority. DIFFERENCE. The sum paid by an officer in the British service, when he exchanges from half to full pay. It likewise means the regulation price between an inferior and a superior commission. Officers who retire upon half pay, and take the difference, subject themselves to many incidental disadvantages, should they wish to return into active service. DIGGING. See MINING. DIGLADIATION, a combat with swords. DIGUON, _Fr._ a staff at the end of which is suspended a vane or streamer. This term is properly marine. DIKE or DYKE, a channel to receive water, also a dam or mound, to prevent inundation. See FORTIFICATION. DIMACHÆ, in ancient military affairs, were a kind of horsemen, answering to the dragoons of the moderns. DIMICATION. See BATTLE. _To_ DIMINISH _or increase the front of a battalion_, is to adapt the column of march or manœuvre according to the obstructions and difficulties which it meets in advancing. This is one of the most important movements, and a battalion which does not perform this operation with the greatest exactness and attention, so as not to lengthen out in the smallest degree, is not fit to move in the column of a considerable corps.