fortification

The Sailor's Word-Book

The art by which a place is so fortified that a given number of men occupying it may advantageously oppose a superior force. The same word also signifies the works that cover and defend a place. Fortification is defensive when surrounding a place so as to render it capable of defence against besiegers; and offensive when comprehending the various works for conducting a siege. It is natural when it opposes rocks, woods, marshes, ravines, &c., to impede the progress of an enemy; and artificial, when raised by human ingenuity to aid the advantages of the ground. The latter is again subdivided into permanent and field fortification: the one being constructed at leisure and of permanent materials, the other raised only for temporary purposes.

Related Words

  • Fortification

    ·noun The act of fortifying; the art or science of fortifying places in order to defend them against...

    Webster's Dictionary of the English Language

  • field-fortification

    Is the constructing of works intended to strengthen the position of forces operating in the field; w...

    The Sailor's Word-Book

  • natural fortification

    Those obstacles, in the form or nature of the country, which impede the approaches of an enemy. ...

    The Sailor's Word-Book

  • front of fortification

    The whole system of works included between the salient angles, or the capitals prolonged, of any two...

    The Sailor's Word-Book