rifle pit

American  

noun

1. a pit or short trench affording shelter to riflemen in firing at an enemy.

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Etymology

Origin of rifle pit

First recorded in 1850–55

Example Sentences

But after the little unpleasant episode in the rifle pit, I went back and took my stand.

From "Co. Aytch" Maury Grays, First Tennessee Regiment or, A Side Show of the Big Show by Watkins, Sam R.

This is the ordinary rifle pit, but when time permits it receives many improvements.

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

The coats sat oddly on their long frames, but fortunately there was as yet very little light, and in the gray gloom they presented a tolerable resemblance to the late tenants of the rifle pit.

From On Land and Sea at the Dardanelles by Bridges, T. C. (Thomas Charles)

On the 21st of August they drove the rebels from a rifle pit in their front, capturing forty prisoners, just four times as many as there were men in their own ranks.

From Vermont riflemen in the war for the union, 1861 to 1865 A history of Company F, First United States sharp shooters by Ripley, William Y. W.

Some of our boys in the rifle pits declared they heard the Johnnies clap as I jumped down into the rifle pit on my return.

From Personal Recollections of the Civil War By One Who Took Part in It as a Private Soldier in the 21st Volunteer Regiment of Infantry from Massachusetts by Stone, James Madison