ORDER, in architecture, is a system of the several members, ornaments, and proportions of columns and pilasters; or a regular arrangement of the projecting parts of a building, especially the column, so as to form one beautiful whole. See Architecture, n°41, &c.

Order is also used for a division, or class of any thing: thus the tribe of animals called birds, is subdivided into six orders. See Ornithology, Zoology, &c.

Holy Orders, a character peculiar to ecclesiastics, whereby they are set apart for the ministry. See Ordination.

Military Orders, are companies of knights, instituted by kings and princes, either for defence of the faith, or to confer marks of honour, and make distinctions among their subjects.

Religious Orders, are congregations or societies of monastics, living under the same superior, in the same manner, and wearing the same habit.

Orders, in a military sense, all that is lawfully commanded by superior officers. Orders are given out every day, whether in camp, garrison, or on a march, by the commanding officer; which orders are afterwards given to every officer in writing by their respective sergeants.