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 oblige the country to come under contribution. Parties are often sent out to view the roads and ways, get intelligence, seek forage; to reconnoitre, or amuse the enemy upon a march: they are also frequently sent upon Parulides, upon the flanks of an army or regiment, to discover the enemy if near, and prevent surprise or ambuscade.