Array.
Synonyms:
| army, | collection, | line of battle, | parade, |
| arrangement, | disposition, | order, | show, |
| battle array, | exhibition, | order of battle, | sight. |
The phrase battle array or array of battle is archaic and poetic; we now say in line or order of battle. The parade is for exhibition and oversight, and partial rehearsal of military manual and maneuvers. Array refers to a continuous arrangement of men, so that all may be seen or reviewed at once. This is practically impossible with the vast armies of our day. We say rather the disposition of troops, which expresses their location so as to sustain and support, though unable to see or readily communicate with each other. Compare DRESS.