Defiladed Space

An obstacle of sufficient thickne to prevent the penetration of the bullet will protect from fire the space extending from its foot to the point where the bullet, which grazes its crest, meets the ground. The space which ia thus protected from fire is called the "defiladed space," and its extent depends on the height of the shelter, the curvature of the trajectory and the slope of the ground behind the shelter. Defilading;. — That part of the art of fortification which consists in determining the directions and heights of the lines of rampart, so that the interior may not be commanded by the fire of any works which the enemy may raise.