Counterscarp

[Fr. contrescarpe - contre, against, and escarpe, scarp.] ( Fortif. ) The exterior slope of the ditch of a fortified place facing the scarp; a covered way. To form the outline of the C. of the main ditch of a fortre opposite any of its sides, formed by two semi-bastions and the curtain between them, arcs of circles should be described in front of the salient angles of the bastions from the angles themselves as centres, and a tangent drawn to the arc in front of each bastion from the shoulder of the other. These lines meet in a point in front of the curtain, which is called the angle of the C. The ditch is thus contrived that it may be swept by cro -fires from the flanks. The C. of a ditch round an outwork is parallel to the rampart. Sometimes it is riveted with masonry, and very steep; but if it be con- structed to admit of a hasty sortie being made on the enemy by the garrison, it should slope in a gentle in- cline from the bottom of the ditch. Counter-scuffle, n. A scuffle by opposition. Counterseal', v . a. [Lat. contra , and seal.] To affix a seal over, against, or beside another seal. Counter-secure', v . a . To give extra security to or for. "The wolf... was confounded by a counterplot of the kids Counter-security, n. Security given for a co upon the wolf; and such a counterplot as the wolf able to smell out." - L'Estrange. was not