"Line Regiment"

From: bethexton_at_...
Date: Tue, 15 May 2001 13:00:37 -0000

> Peter Metcalfe <metcalph_at_b...> writes:
>
> >Line is referring to the line regiments. Spear mixed with
> >archers (700 to 300), capable of open order for movement and
> >closed ranks for combat. Intended to hold off any attackers
> >and to shoot nearby regiments. Can't skirmish.
>
>
> BTW I read "line regiment" as referring to training and morale. You
> have the elite Guards regiments (a small proportion of the army),
you
> have the Line regiments who form the bulk of your regular forces
(the
> line of battle), then you have a mass of auxiliaries and militia who
> may be numerous, but aren't worth much.

Yes, this was my reading of it too--line in the sense of line of battle, front line, etc. I know I've seen the term used in this sense with regards to military units, but I'm not close to expert enough to quote sources off the top of my head. However Websters does have this to say:
Line (n), def'n 6
e: 1- The combatant forces of an army distinguished from the staff corps and supply services
f: 2- officers of the army belonging to a combatant branch { as in "a line officer" }

I guess this is a case to appeal to the author(s)--what was meant in this case?

--Bryan