Target
Collier's New Encyclopedia (1921)
a shield or buckler of a small size, circular in form, cut out of ox-hide, mounted on light but strong , spikes, wood, and strengthened by boss bosses etc.; often covered externally with a considerable amount of ornamental work. Also, the mark set up to be fired at in archery, musketry, or artillery practice, or the like. Rifle targets are generally square or oblong metal plates, and are divided into three or more sections-the bull's-eye, inner (or center), and outer, counting from the center of the target to the outside. In some targets there is a fourth division commonly called MAGPIE (q. v.). The use of TARGET PRACTICE. stationary targets for practice in the United States Army has given place to that of appearing and disappearing targets, which stimulate activity and increase the skill of the gunners. American soldiers, and particularly those of the regular service, have the reputation of being the best shots in the world. For recruits who have not seen such service, the "surprise" targets prove excellent schooling in quick aim and rapid firing. Of these moving targets there are several varieties. In infantry firing at appearing targets, a section, or company, is marched forward to some marked point, when nearing it a target suddenly comes into view. It represents dden a body of cavalry crossing the plains ahead. The infantry forms in the direction as quickly as possible and opens fire. The target remains in sight only 15 or 20 seconds, after which it is replaced by other targets appearing and disappearing in turn and representing the successive positions of the cavalry.
What Has Changed in the Last Century
Collier's in 1921 was already excited that the U.S. Army had replaced stationary bullseyes with "appearing and disappearing targets" for practice; that trend went much further after the Second World War, when Army qualification shifted from concentric rings to man-shaped silhouettes that pop up at varying ranges and fall when hit. Scoring terms like the "magpie" ring, once used on British-pattern rifle targets, have dropped out of use entirely, and much basic marksmanship training is now done on computerised simulators with laser-fitted weapons before a live round is fired. The 1921 definition opens with the older meaning, a small circular buckler of ox-hide; that sense is now purely historical, and in ordinary English "target" has become mainly figurative, as in target audience or sales target. Competitive archery and rifle shooting still use ringed paper and card faces much as described, though electronic scoring has largely replaced the marker in the pit.
Written for this edition, 2026.