Retrenchment

In fortification, is a defensive work, comprising at least ditch and parapet, within some other work of a fortre , and intended as a place of retreat for the defenders, whence they may prolong the defense, or capitulate after the faces of the work itself have fallen into the enemy’s hands. The retrenchment bears a considerable resemblance to the reduit , except that it is almost always of earth. Retrenchments are made in ravelins, and the re-entering place d’armes at the time of constructing the works. A retrenchment is thrown acro the gorge of a redan or bastion, or from shoulder to shoulder, when it is apprehended that the salient angle will fall into the po e ion of the besiegers; these retrenchments are usually made when wanted. Such a retrenchment acro the interior of the Redan at Sebastopol caused the sanguinary repulse of the British on September 8, 1855.