in the military art, are thick long pieces of wood, pointed at one end, and fitted with iron, clear one of another; hanging each by a particular rope or cord, over the gateway of a strong place, perpendicularly, to be let fall in case of the approach of an enemy.

Orgues are preferable to heres, or portcullices, because these may be either broke by a petard, or they may be flopped in their falling down: but a petard is useless against an orgue; for if it break one or two of the pieces, they immediately fall down again and fill up the vacancy; or if they flop one or two of the pieces from falling, it is no hinderance to the rest; for being all separate, they have no dependence upon one another.

Orgues, is also used for a machine composed of several arquebus or musket barrels bound together, by means whereof several explosions are made at the same time. It is used to defend breaches and other places attacked.

ORGYA, ογύα, an ancient Grecian measure containing six feet.