enfilade

[ en-fuh-leyd, -lahd, en-fuh-leyd, -lahd ]

noun

1. Military.
   1. a position of works, troops, etc., making them subject to a sweeping fire from along the length of a line of troops, a trench, a battery, etc.
   2. the fire thus directed.
2. Architecture.
   1. an axial arrangement of doorways connecting a suite of rooms with a vista down the whole length of the suite.
   2. an axial arrangement of mirrors on opposite sides of a room so as to give an effect of an infinitely long vista.

verb (used with object)

, en·fi·lad·ed, en·fi·lad·ing.

1. Military. to attack with an enfilade.

enfilade

/ ˌɛnfɪˈleɪd /

noun

1. a position or formation subject to fire from a flank along the length of its front

verb

1. to subject (a position or formation) to fire from a flank
2. to position (troops or guns) so as to be able to fire at a flank

Other Words From

• un·enfi·laded adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of enfilade¹

1695–1705; < French, equivalent to enfil ( er ) to thread, string ( en- en- ¹ + -filer, derivative of fil < Latin fīlum thread) + -ade -ade ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of enfilade¹

C18: from French: suite, from enfiler to thread on string, from fil thread

Example Sentences

As that big oblong crowd of Turks showed their left flank to Baikie's nine batteries they were swept in enfilade by shrapnel.

From Project Gutenberg

If successful, it was to enfilade the Wylie kopjes from that position.

From Project Gutenberg

In a gleam of sunshine, the variety of tints and lights thrown upon this enfilade, are uncommonly rich.

From Project Gutenberg

Meanwhile three Turkish brigs came to the rescue, and got into position so as to enfilade the beach.

From Project Gutenberg

They could thus, by firing eastwards from this redoubt, rake No Mans Land in direct enfilade.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• artillery
• barrage
• blast
• bombardment
• burst
• detonation
• firing
• shooting
• thunder
• volley