Defence

of rivers, in military affairs, is a vigorous effort to prevent the enemy from pa ing; to effect which, a careful and attentive officer will raise redoubts, and if nece ary join curtains thereto: he will place them as near the banks as po ible, observing to cut a trench through the ground at the windings of the river, which may be favorable to the enemy, and to place advanced redoubts there, to prevent his having any ground fit to form on, . See Rivers. To be in a posture of Defence , is to be prepared to oppose an enemy, whether in regard to redoubts, batteries, or in the open field. To DEFEND , to fortify, secure, or maintain a place or cause.