counterscarp
Americannoun
noun
Etymology
Origin of counterscarp
1565–75; counter- + scarp ( def. ) (modeled on Italian contrascarpa ); replacing counterscarfe, with scarfe obsolete variant of scarp ( def. )
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
While this was going on, a fresh body of Turks, bursting into the ditch, through a breach in the counterscarp, endeavored to carry the fortress by escalade.
From History of the Reign of Philip the Second, King of Spain, Vols. 1 and 2 by Prescott, William Hickling
Unfortunately, the smoke of the musketry, borne along by a southerly breeze, drifted in the direction of the castle; and under cover of it, the Turks succeeded in getting possession of the counterscarp.
From History of the Reign of Philip the Second, King of Spain, Vols. 1 and 2 by Prescott, William Hickling
His mines will now be turned to a new purpose, viz. to breach the counterscarp and afterwards the escarp.
From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 10, Slice 6 "Foraminifera" to "Fox, Edward" by Various
The steep declivity of the counterscarp was then fatally attacked, and after a time its perpendicular face was laid bare.
From The Falls of Niagara and Other Famous Cataracts by Holley, George W.
If not interfered with by the defenders the besieger can advance in this way until he reaches the counterscarp.
From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 10, Slice 6 "Foraminifera" to "Fox, Edward" by Various
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
