Mil. Usually in pl. In 7 contre-. [ad. F. contre-approche: see COUNTER- 13 and APPROACH sb. 9.] A work constructed by the besieged outside the permanent fortifications, to check and command the works of the besiegers.
1678. trans. Gaya’s Arms War, II. 114. Contre-Approaches, Works of the Besieged to hinder the Besiegers Works.
1706. Phillips (ed. Kersey), Counter-Approaches.
1727–51. Chambers, Cycl., s.v., Line of Counter-approach, a trench which the besieged make from their covered-way to the right and left of the attacks, in order to scour or enfilade the enemy’s works.
1837. Penny Cycl., VIII. 107/2. The trenches of the enemy … being always, if possible, disposed so that they cannot be enfiladed by the guns of the fortress, a counter-approach becomes necessary in order that the garrison may be enabled to silence the fire from them, or to impede the communications along them.
