redan

American  

[ri-dan] / rɪˈdæn /

noun

Fortification.

1. a V -shaped work, usually projecting from a fortified line.

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redan British  

/ rɪˈdæn /

noun

1. a fortification of two parapets at a salient angle

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Etymology

Origin of redan

1680–90; < French, variant of redent a double notching or jagging, equivalent to re- re- + dent tooth < Latin dent- (stem of dēns )

Example Sentences

The safety of our redan on the Heights has given me some concern, but Dennis, Williams and others report that the height is inaccessible from the river side.

From The Story of Isaac Brock Hero, Defender and Saviour of Upper Canada, 1812 by Nursey, Walter R.

A redan is a letter V, with the point toward the enemy, and is used generally to cover the heads of bridges, etc.

From The Continental Monthly, Vol. 6, No 2, August, 1864 Devoted to Literature and National Policy by Various

The warm reception which was accorded to the Boers from this redan soon began to draw their fire.

From The Siege of Mafeking (1900) by Hamilton, J. Angus

I constantly had brought to mind the anecdote of the Crimean Zouaves, about to charge a redan, who answered their officer's query as to the number of cartridges they had by tapping their saber bayonets.

From Four Years in Rebel Capitals An Inside View of Life in the Southern Confederacy from Birth to Death by DeLeon, T. C.

Brock rode up the slope toward the redan halfway up the Heights.

From Brock Centenary 1812-1912 by Various