BONNET

in fortification, an elevation of the parapet in the salient angles of a field retrenchment, or of a fortification, designed to prevent the enfilading of the front of the work, at the end of which it is situated. The bonnet accomplishes, however, only part of this object, and is subject, at least in field retrenchments, to^tiie disadvantage, that the men destined for its defence are too much exposed to be taken in flank by the fire of the enemy, on account of the nece ary elevation of the banquette (which see) — a fault which cannot occur in the works of a fortre which are well laid out.