in gunnery, the quantity of powder and ball wherewith a gun is loaded for execution.

The rules for charging large pieces in war are, That the piece be first cleaned or scoured withinside; that the proper quantity of powder be next driven in and rammed down; care, however, being taken, that the powder, in ramming, be not bruised, because that weakens its effect; that a little quantity of paper, hay, lint, or the like, be rammed over it; and that the ball or shot be intruded. If the ball be red-hot, a tompon, or trencher of green wood, is to be driven in before it. The common allowance for a charge of powder of a piece of ordnance, is half the weight of the ball. In the British navy, the allowance for 32 pounders is but seven sixteenths of the weight of the bullet. But a late author is of opinion, that if the powder in all ship cannon whatever, was reduced to one-third weight of the ball, or even less, it would be of considerable advantage, not only by saving ammunition, but by keeping the guns cooler and quieter, and at the same time more effectually injuring the vessels of the enemy. With the present allowance of powder the guns are heated, and their tackle and furniture strained; and this only to render the bullets less efficacious; for a bullet which can but just pass through a piece of timber, and loses almost all its motion thereby, has a much better chance of rending and fracturing it, than if it passes through with a much greater velocity.

in heraldry, is applied to the figures represented on the escutcheon, by which the bearers are distinguished from one another; and it is to be observed, that too many charges are not so honourable as fewer.