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counterscarp

American  
[kaun-ter-skahrp] / ˈkaʊn tərˌskɑrp /

noun

Fortification.
  1. the exterior slope or wall of the ditch of a fort, supporting the covered way.


counterscarp British  
/ ˈkaʊntəˌskɑːp /

noun

  1. fortifications the outer side of the ditch of a fort Compare escarp

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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.

See Examples For:

The Natchez built large dikes or ditches, and upon the counterscarp piled up huge ramparts, which they made almost impregnable, by having one side flanked by the slope of a hill, surrounded by precipices.

From The Progress of Ethnology An Account of Recent Archaeological, Philological and Geographical Researches in Various Parts of the Globe by John Russell Bartlett

Beyond the counterscarp wall some of the earth excavated from the ditch was piled up to increase the protection given to the escarp wall.

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

I continued along the counterscarp of the cliff, until I had reached the edge of the lateral ravine leading out from the river valley.

From The Guerilla Chief And other Tales by Mayne Reid

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

In section 2 it will be seen that the counterscarp galleries flanking the ditch are drawn back from the face of the counterscarp.

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

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