in gunnery, the train of powder that is laid, from the opening of the vent, along the gutter or channel on the upper part of the breech of the gun; which, when fired, conveys the flame to the vent, by which it is further communicated to the charge, in order to fire the piece. This operation is only used on shipboard at the proof; and sometimes in garrison; for, on all other occasions, tubes are used for that purpose.

PRIMING-Wire, in gunnery, a sort of iron needle employed to penetrate the vent or touch-hole of a piece of ordnance, when it is loaded; in order to discover whether the powder contained therein is thoroughly PRIMING thoroughly dry and fit for immediate service; as likewise to search the vent and penetrate the cartridge, when the guns are not loaded with the loose powder.

among painters, signifies the laying on of the first colour.

PRIMOGENITURE, the right of the first-born. This right seems to be an unjust prerogative, and contrary to the natural right; for since it is birth alone that gives children a title to the paternal succession, the chance of primogeniture should not throw any inequality among them. It was not till the race of Hugh Capet, that the prerogative to the succession of the crown was appropriated to the first born. By the ancient custom of gavel-kind, still preserved in some parts of our island, primogeniture is of no account, the paternal estate being equally shared among the sons.