Glossary of Reenacting Terms
Below is a listing of terms that are commonly used in re-enacting with our company. There are many other terms that are also used but the words listed below are the most commonly used.
Battalion---Unit designation of the
military. In Civil War terms a battalion was made up of more than one company
but less then ten.
Blues---the Unit nickname for the standard federal blue
uniform.
Cell--a term used in skirmish drill,
consisting of four men.
Company---Unit designation of the
military. In Civil War terms the Company had a starting strength of about 100
men. Re-enacting units have a strength of between 10 and 40.
Draw---receiving equipment, uniforms
etc from the Quartermaster or a supply depot.
Drill---practicing the basic
maneuvers of infantry [or cavalry]. Drill can be done at the Company, Battalion
or Regimental level.
Galvanize---the term used when some
units must switch sides to even out troops for a battle. In Company C=s case we
can galvanize as the 66th Illinois [blue--western] or as a generic Confederate
Sharpshooter unit. No member is required to galvanize.
Greens---The Unit nickname for our Sharpshooter uniform.
Greys---the Unit nickname for the Confederate uniform we
use when the unit performs as Confederate Sharpshooters.
Impression--a) the individual name and person at reenacter studies and portrays
at events b) the unit that an individual becomes a member of
Kit --a generalized term for the
equipment need to make up an impression
Leathers---Weapon related equipment
such as belt, cap pouch, cartridge box etc.
Period--an expression of something
found during the American Civil War.
Re-enlistment Bounties---Monies paid
to Veteran Civil War Soldiers (coming from State, Federal, or Local government
[sometimes a combination of all three]) who were willing to re-enlist in the
Army after their service tour was up.
Regiment---Unit designation of the
military In Civil War terms a Regiment was a formation of ten companies.
Service Tour (Term of Service)---the
length of time a soldier signed up for when he enlisted with a regiment. Duty
times ranged from 90 days, 2 years, 3 years and later the duration of the
conflict.
Skirmish--an infantry duty, a
skirmish line will go ahead of a regiment, scout for enemy
position/skirmishers. This term is better described in the drill manual
Sutler--A Civil War term for a
seller of items. In Civil War times this ranged from food to guns and other
equipment. Today the term represents people who specialize in making clothing
or selling other dry goods for impressions.
Treefrogs---a nickname that has been
attached to our unit because of the green uniform.
Western Sharpshooters---another term
for portraying the 66th Illinois, usually done when a re-enactment is doing a
Western Battle like Shiloh or Pea Ridge.
Veteran---A member of a unit that has seen combat.