Civil War Words and Expressions

[MaddieM]

I know that the term "Canard" means a rumour or untruth...(at least I think it does) in civil war speak, but how did that word originate. It's french for Duck. So what's the relevance?

[Jim Page]

I know that the term "Canard" means a rumour or untruth...(at least I think it does) in civil war speak, but how did that word originate. It's french for Duck. So what's the relevance?

It's also what pilots call an airplane where the "tail" is in front of the wings.

--Jim