Civil War Glossary: Key Terms for Understanding Missouri’s War

Confused by Civil War jargon? This glossary breaks down the essential terms used by infantry, artillery, cavalry, and even the slang soldiers spoke — with a focus on what you’ll see in Missouri’s Civil War history.

General Civil War Terms

• Secession – The act of withdrawing from the United States, claimed by 11 Southern states.
• Union – The United States and its supporters during the war.
• Confederacy – The government formed by seceded Southern states.
• Border State – Slave states like Missouri that stayed in the Union.
• Martial Law – Military control imposed on civilians during crisis.
• Campaign – A series of battles in a specific area or time.
• Engagement – A small clash between opposing forces.
• Skirmish – A brief or minor battle.
• Casualty – Soldiers killed, wounded, captured, or missing.
• Emancipation – The act of freeing enslaved people.

Infantry Terms

• Infantry – Soldiers who fight on foot.
• Regiment – Basic infantry unit, usually around 1,000 men.
• Company – A subdivision of a regiment (about 100 men).
• Drill – Repeated practice of military maneuvers.
• Bayonet – Blade attached to a musket for close combat.
• Volley – A group firing of muskets.
• Color Guard – Soldiers who carried and defended the regimental flag.
• Line of Battle – Infantry formation for fighting.
• Picket – Guard placed ahead of the main force to give warning.
• Casual Drill Manual (Hardee’s Tactics) – Widely used guide for infantry training.

Artillery Terms

• Battery – A unit of artillery, usually 4–6 cannons.
• Cannon – General term for heavy guns used in battle.
• Caisson – Wagon carrying ammunition.
• Canister Shot – Tin can filled with iron balls; turned a cannon into a giant shotgun.
• Shell – Explosive cannon round.
• Solid Shot – Solid iron cannonball.
• Grapeshot – Cluster of small iron balls fired together.
• Gun Crew – Soldiers trained to operate a cannon.
• Limber – Two-wheeled cart that carried ammunition and pulled cannons.
• Artillery Park – Place where cannons and ammo were gathered.

Cavalry Terms

• Cavalry – Soldiers who fought on horseback.
• Saber – Curved sword used by cavalrymen.
• Pistol Carbine – Short rifle commonly used by cavalry.
• Forage – Gathering food and supplies from the countryside.
• Scout – A reconnaissance mission by cavalry.
• Raid – Fast strike behind enemy lines.
• Dismounted Cavalry – Horsemen fighting on foot when needed.
• Charge – Cavalry attack at speed.
• Outpost – Small detachment stationed forward to warn of enemy.
• Horse Holder – Soldier assigned to hold horses while others fought.

Soldier Slang

• Grayback – Confederate soldier (or sometimes lice).
• Bluebelly – Union soldier.
• Jonny Reb – Common nickname for Confederate soldier.
• Billy Yank – Common nickname for Union soldier.
• Hardtack – Hard cracker issued as rations.
• Sowbelly – Salted pork ration.
• Skedaddle – To run away quickly.
• Butternut – Nickname for poorly equipped Confederate soldier.
• Grab-a-root – Soldier slang for sweet potato.
• Grape Vine Telegraph – Rumor mill or soldier gossip chain.