circumvallation

American  

[ser-kuhm-va-lay-shuhn] / ˌsər kəm væˈleɪ ʃən /

noun

plural

circumvallations

1. the act or process of surrounding a position with a fortification, or circumvallating.

2. a fortification, especially one made of earth, surrounding an area for protection; rampart.

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Example Sentences

A portion of the ground covered by old Fort Pentago�t is now occupied by buildings, a barn standing within the circumvallation, and the dwelling of Mr. Webb between the shore and the road.

From Nooks and Corners of the New England Coast by Drake, Samuel Adams

A deep moat filled with stagnant water and covered with green slime completely surrounded it, and the drawbridge which crossed the moat led up to a fortified palisade which formed a second line of circumvallation.

From Pretty Michal by Jókai, Mór

The circumvallation was a line of parapet which the besieger made outside the investing position of his own force, to protect it when there was a chance of attack by a relieving army.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 10, Slice 6 "Foraminifera" to "Fox, Edward" by Various

It had been a desperate combat of mine and counter-mine even where the general circumvallation of the town was concerned, though the worst, of course, was to come when the citadel should be attacked.

From Malplaquet by Belloc, Hilaire

With six legions he drove them to the extremity of the Bruttian peninsula, and shut them up in Rhegium by strong lines of circumvallation.

From Ancient States and Empires by Lord, John