a festival of the ancient Roman matrons, from whom it had its name. It was celebrated on the kalends of March in honour of the god Mars; and was to the Roman ladies what the festival of the Saturnalia was to their husbands; for at this time they served their women slaves at tables, and received presents from their husbands. See Saturnalia.

**MARTROSES**, are soldiers in the train of artillery, who are next to the gunners, and assist them in loading, firing, and spunging the great guns. They carry firelocks, and march along with the store-waggons, both as a guard, and to give their assistance in case a waggon should break down.