ASSAPES

ASSAPES, Asappi, an Order of Soldiers in the Turkish Army, whom they expose to the first Shock of their Enemies, to the end that being thus fatigued, and their Swords blunted, the Spahis and Janissaries may fall on and find an easy Conquest. The Asappes are held of so little Value, that they frequently serve as Bridges for the Cavalry to pass over, in ill Roads, and as Fascines to fill up the Ditches of Places besieged.—The greatest Part of them are natural Turks; they travel on Foot, and have no Pay, but the Plunder they can get from the Enemy. The Word is derived from the Turkish Saph, which signifies Rank, File, One; from whence they have formed Asphaph, to range in Battle.