Bastion

Webster's Dictionary of the English Language

·noun A work projecting outward from the main inclosure of a fortification, consisting of two faces and two flanks, and so constructed that it is able to defend by a flanking fire the adjacent curtain, or wall which extends from one bastion to another. Two adjacent bastions are connected by the curtain, which joins the flank of one with the adjacent flank of the other. The distance between the flanks of a bastion is called the gorge. A lunette is a detached bastion. ·see Ravelin.

Related Words

  • deformed bastion

    One out of shape from the irregularity of its lines and angles. ...

    The Sailor's Word-Book

  • demi-bastion

    In fortification, a bastion which has a flank on one side only. ...

    The Sailor's Word-Book

  • detached bastion

    A bastion cut off by a ditch about its gorge from the body of the place, which latter is thus render...

    The Sailor's Word-Book

  • empty bastion

    In fortification is a bastion whereof the terreplein, or terrace in rear of the parapet, not having ...

    The Sailor's Word-Book

  • full bastion

    In fortification, is a bastion whereof the terreplein, or terrace in rear of the parapet, is extende...

    The Sailor's Word-Book

  • hollow bastion

    In fortification, a bastion of which the terreplein or interior terrace is not continued beyond a ce...

    The Sailor's Word-Book

  • irregular bastion

    One whose opposite faces or flanks do not correspond; this, as well as the constant irregularity of ...

    The Sailor's Word-Book

  • shoulder of a bastion

    The part of it adjacent to the junction of a face with a flank. The angle of the shoulder is that fo...

    The Sailor's Word-Book