AMMUNITION. This word had an infinite variety of meanings. It includes every description of warlike stores, comprehending not only the ordnance, but the powder, balls, bullets, cartridges, and equipments.--_Ammunition bread_, that which is for the supply of armies or garrisons.--_Ammunition chest_, a box placed abaft near the stern or in the tops of men-of-war, to contain ammunition, for the arms therein placed, in readiness for immediate action.--_Ammunition shoes_, those made for soldiers and sailors, and particularly for use by those frequenting the magazine, being soft and free from metal.--_Ammunition waggon_, a close cart for conveying military effects.--_Ammunition wife_, a name applied to women of doubtful character. AMNESTY. An act of oblivion, by which, in a professional view, pardon is granted to those who have rebelled or deserted their colours; also to deserters who return to their ships. AMOK. A term signifying slaughter, but denoting the practice of the Malays, when infuriated to madness with bang (a preparation from a species of hemp), of sallying into the streets, or decks, to murder any whom they may chance to meet, until they are either slain or fall from exhaustion.--_To run a-muck._ To run madly and attack all we meet (_Pope_, _Dryden_). As in the case of mad dogs, certain death awaited them, for if not killed in being taken, torture and impalement followed. AMORAYLE. An archaism of _admiral_. AMORCE [Fr.] A word sometimes used to signify priming-powder. AMPERES. An ancient vessel, in which the rowers used an oar on each side at once. AMPHIBIA. A class of animals which, from a peculiar arrangement of breathing organs, can live either in water or on land. [Gr. _amphibios_, having a double manner of life.] Hence _amphibious_. AMPHIPRORÆ. Ancient vessels, both ends of which were prow-shaped, so that in narrow channels they need not turn. AMPHISCII. The inhabitants of the torrid zone are thus denominated from their shadow being turned one part of the year to the north and the other to the south. AMPHOTEROPLON. _See_ HETEROPLON.