counterscarp

[ koun-ter-skahrp ]

noun

, Fortification.

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

counterscarp

/ ˈkaʊntəˌskɑːp /

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of counterscarp¹

1565–75; counter- + scarp ( def ) (modeled on Italian contrascarpa ); replacing counterscarfe, with scarfe obsolete variant of scarp ( def )

Example Sentences

My Lord, you are like a man in a fortress, with a truce between him and a perfidious enemy, who takes advantage of his good nature to get possession of one outpost after another, then marches over the glacis, lodges himself on the counterscarp, erects his batteries, points his cannon, and says, 'Now, surrender, or I'll blow you to pieces!'

From Project Gutenberg

The completion was no further off than the very next morning; which was that of the storm of the counterscarp betwixt the Lower Deule, to the right, and the gate St. Andrew,—and on the left, between St. Magdalen’s and the river.

From Project Gutenberg

I must remind the reader, in case he has read the history of King William’s wars,—but if he has not,—I then inform him, that one of the most memorable attacks in that siege, was that which was made by the English and Dutch upon the point of the advanced counterscarp, between the gate of St. Nicolas, which inclosed the great sluice or water-stop, where the English were terribly exposed to the shot of the counter-guard and demi-bastion of St. Roch.

From Project Gutenberg

Arrived here, the fugitives must ascend the counterscarp, and cross the chevaux-de-frise with which it was furnished.

From Project Gutenberg

There was then so little Apprehension of an Attack, that most of the Generals quitted the Grand Army to assist in the storming of the Counterscarp, which happen'd on the 5th of September at Night.

From Project Gutenberg