Redout

1 definition found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  Redoubt \Re*doubt"\ (r?*dout"), n. [F. redoute, fem., It.
     ridotto, LL. reductus, literally, a retreat, from L. reductus
     drawn back, retired, p. p. of reducere to lead or draw back;
     cf. F. r['e]duit, also fr. LL. reductus. See {Reduce}, and
     cf. {Reduct}, {R['e]duit}, {Ridotto}.] (Fort.)
     (a) A small, and usually a roughly constructed, fort or


         outwork of varying shape, commonly erected for a
         temporary purpose, and without flanking defenses, -- used
         esp. in fortifying tops of hills and passes, and
         positions in hostile territory.
     (b) In permanent works, an outwork placed within another
         outwork. See F and i in Illust. of {Ravelin}. [Written
         also {redout}.]
         [1913 Webster]