machine = le coche

15. sergent de bataille, an obsolète term for an obsolète rank in the army. It is not clear whether the sergent de bataille was only a superior regimental officer, or whether he was a gênerai. At any rate he was not a field-marshall or maréchal de camp. The functions of the sergent de bataille consisted in receiving the orders of the gênerai, and in.arranging the troops in order of battle according to that plan.