sb. Fortif. [COUNTER- 13.] A line of entrenchment made against the enemy’s lines; spec. a ditch bordered with a parapet to cover the besiegers in the direction of the fortress (Littré Contre-ligne). Hence † Counterline v.
1598–1611. Florio, Contrafódera, a counterlyning. Ibid. (1611), Contrafoderáre, to counterlyne.
1690. J. Mackenzie, Siege London-Derry, 40/2. Our men were diligent to counterline them.
