Point

Point.
Chasseurs de Sombreuil are walking infantry point b towards a hill. The actual point s has already crossed the supposed crest line k k and made sure that the reverse slope is clear of enemies, while the flankguards a and c are still examining the forward slope on either side of the column.

Point, or head (French tête), is generally the name given to the most advanced soldiers of a military formation. But in particular, the point is the vanguard of an advance guard, or the rearguard of a rear guard. However, if the vanguard or rearguard is so strong that it consists of 6, 8 or more men, then they will in turn send 2 more men forward or rearward, and this is the actual point, which may at most be augmented by the leader. This point is subject to all those rules, which have been put down for skirmishers. Such a strong vanguard or rearguard of an advance guard or rear guard then also has flankguards and skirmishers. S. security.

Source: Rumpf, H. F.: Allgemeine Real-Encyclopädie der gesammten Kriegskunst (Berl. 1827)

Military Glossary