Infantry
2 of the 7 encyclopedias on this shelf carry an entry for Infantry. Both are reproduced below, so you can see where they agree and where they differ.
Collier's New Encyclopedia (1921)
foot soldiers armed with rifle and bayonet. In Europe the infantry is divided into infantry of the line, light infantry, and rifles; but practically no distinction, except that the latter have a lower standard, now exists between them. Formerly the flank companies of each line battalion were, respectively, "grenadier" and "light" companies, and the deployment of the lines or the advance of the columns in battle were either covered by these companies, or by infantry regiments, which separate light were extended as skirmishers. These were either called in when the masses of troops advanced, or, halting, let them pass through. They only prepared the way for the main attack. With the introduction of long range fire, the attack by lines or columns became too dangerous; the former from their slowness, the latter from their denseness. The infantry could no longer advance covered by a weak screen of skirmishers. Battalions, therefore, formed for attack with two companies firing, two supporting, and four in local reserve, the whole working on a narrow front; and, finally, the company in Germany, and the double company in England, formed the fighting tactical unit, and was distributed in a no similar manner. But the skirmishers the advance of longer merely cover They form the fightingtroops in rear. line themselves, and reinforced as loss occurs, and strengthened finally by the local reserve, they break down the defense first with preponderating fire, and then with the bayonet. Ancient nations largely depended in battle on their in- Then foot soldiers became less fantry. antry. employed, the use of cavalry being one feature of the age of chivalry. The formation by Louis VI., of France (1108- 1137), of the communal militia, followed by similar action on the part of Frederick I., the Emperor of German Germany (1152- 1190), and Henry II., of England (1154- 1189), again brought infantry into note and they have held the first place in battles ever since. It was especially the case during the European War of 1914- 18. Cavalry were only employed in the first months of the war to any extent, but were effective during the great German retreat in 1918. - 153
Aiton's Encyclopedia (1910)
foot soldiers. The word means literally the infants--the boys--referring, no doubt, to the page of medieval warfare who followed the knight, if at all, on foot. It is said that the main force of the ancient oriental army was mounted. Effective infantry was developed on Grecian soil. Soldiers protected by armor were called hoplites by the Greeks. They carried a long spear and dagger. The famous Greek phalanx of from 2,000 to 4,000 men was developed from infantry of this sort. The Roman legion succeeded the phalanx. The Germans who overthrew the Roman Empire used a foot soldiery. On the continent of Europe in the eighth century, this gave way to heavy-armed cavalry--the feudal "knight" and "men-at-arms." As stated the mounted medieval knight was followed by footmen. With the invention of guns and powder the foot soldier sprang into importance. Gustavus Adolphus, Wallenstein, Frederick the Great, Napoleon, and Wellington won their victories with infantry. They are skeleton regiments, however, numbering all told only 9,575 men. An infantryman now receives $13 per month. He is equipped free, with knapsack, haversack, canteen, cartridge belt, blanket, and half-tent, and has an additional allowance for rations and clothing. The infantry officer receives a salary ranging upward to $3,500 a year for a colonel. See Army ; Haversack ; Cavalry