PARTY, in a military sense, a small number of men, horse or foot, sent upon any kind of duty, as into an enemy's country to pillage, to take prisoners, and to levy contributions. Parties are often sent out to examine the roads and ways, procure intelligence, forage, reconnoitre, or amuse the enemy upon a march; and they are also frequently sent upon the flanks of an army or regiment, to discover the enemy if near, and prevent surprise or ambuscade.