The spelling of the phrase "line of battle" can be divided into three separate sounds. The first sound, "L", is pronounced as the voiced alveolar lateral approximant, represented in IPA by /l/. The second sound, "I", is pronounced as the high front unrounded vowel, represented in IPA by /aɪ/. The final sound, "N-E", is pronounced as the voiced alveolar nasal followed by the schwa sound, represented in IPA by /n ə/. This phrase is commonly used in military contexts and refers to the arrangement of troops in a straight line for battle.
Line of battle refers to a military term used to describe the strategic positioning of an organized formation of troops during a combat scenario. It typically involves positioning soldiers, weaponry, and other resources in a linear manner to maximize their efficiency and effectiveness in engaging with the enemy forces. The concept primarily emerged during the early modern period of warfare, often associated with the tactics employed by infantry forces.
A line of battle frequently consists of troops arranged side by side in a continuous and cohesive formation, thereby presenting a united and formidable front to their opponents. This arrangement promotes coordinated actions and allows for better control and communication between units. Typically, soldiers within a line of battle are evenly spaced apart to provide them with enough room to maneuver and engage the enemy while maintaining their formation.
The line of battle has often been used in large-scale conflicts, particularly during pitched battles, where the aim was to break the enemy's line in order to gain the upper hand. The formation's main advantage lies in its ability to concentrate firepower and overwhelm opponents with a coordinated and sustained assault. The line of battle has been seen throughout history in various forms, such as the Roman Legionnaires forming a dense line of soldiers, or the Napoleonic era's grand infantry formations.
Overall, the line of battle represents a well-organized and strategically arranged military formation designed to optimize the collective strength and effectiveness of troops, ultimately aiming to achieve victory on the battlefield.
Disposition or order of ships or soldiers in an engagement; troops of the line, the regular infantry regiments numbered as such.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.