TUG

Fr. A Turkish term for tail; a sort of standard called so by the Turks. It consists of a horse’s tail which is fixed to a long pole or half pike, by means of a gold button. The origin of this standard is curious. It is said, that the Christians having given battle to the Turks, the latter were broken, and in the midst of their confusion lost their grand standard. The Turkish general, being extremely agitated at the untoward circumstances which happened, most especially by the lo of the great standard, cut off a horse’s tail with his sabre, fixed it to a half pike, and holding it in his hand, rode furiously towards the fugitives and exclaimed— Here is the great standard; let those who love me, follow into action! This produced the desired effect. The Turks rallied with redoubled courage, rushed into the thickest of the enemy, and not only gained the victory, but recovered their standard. Other writers a ert, that six you sand Turks having been taken prisoners during a general engagement, contrived to escape from their guard or escort, and afterwards fought so gallantly, that they regained another battle; that in order to recognize one another, they cut off a horse’s tail which they carried as a standard; that when they joined the Ottoman army, they still made use of the tug or tail; that the Turks, in consequence of the victory which was obtained under this new standard, looked upon it as a happy omen; and that since that period they have always fought under it as their banner, and the signal of succe . Whatever may have been the origin, it is certain, that when the Grand Signor takes the field in person, seven of these tails are always carried before him; and when he is in camp, they are planted in front of his tent. The Grand Visier is entitled to three of these tails. The three principal bashaws of the empire, (viz. those of Bagdad, Grand Cairo, and Breda,) have the grand signor’s permi ion to use this mark of distinction, throughout the whole extent of their jurisdiction. Those bashaws that are not visiers, have the privilege of having two tails. The beys, who are subordinate to the bashaws, have only one. In the bas-relievo which is under the tomb-stone of John Casimir, king of Poland, in the abbey church of St. Germain des Prés de Paris , that monarch is represented at the head of his cavalry, with a horse’s tail or tug for its standard.