sb. Forms: 6–7 counterscarf(e, 6 -scharfe, 7 -scarph, -skarfe, contrescarp(e, contrascarpe), 6–9 counterscarpe, 6– counterscarp. [ad. F. contrescarpe (in Rabelais, 1550), ad. It. contrascarpa, f. contra- opposite + scarpa slope of a wall, etc., SCARP.]
1. Fortif. The outer wall or slope of the ditch, which supports the covered way; sometimes extended to include the covered way and glacis.
1571. Digges, Pantom., I. xxv. H b. Scaling laders that shall reache from the brym of the ditch or edge of the counterscarfe, to the top of the wal or curtein.
1618. Bolton, Florus, II. xviii. (1636), 151–2. Scipio … hemming them round within trench, and counterscarph.
1704. J. Harris, Lex. Techn., s.v., By this term is often understood, the whole Covertway with its Parapet and Glacis. And so it is to be understood, when ’tis said The Enemy lodged themselves on the Counterscarp.
1709. Steele, Tatler, No. 41, ¶ 9. General Schuylemburgh had made a Lodgment on the Counterscarp of the Tenaille.
1844. H. H. Wilson, Brit. India, III. 196. The trenches were … brought close to the counterscarp of the ditch.
2. transf. and fig.
1615. Crooke, Body of Man, 61. The fleshy Membrane as an avant Mure or in ward counter-scarfe, is ordained as a secret defence.
1650. Bulwer, Anthropomet., xi. (1653), 182. Defended by the counter skarfe of the lips.
1774. Pennant, Tour Scot. in 1772, 27. A secure counterscarp from the rage of the Sea.
1837. Howitt, Rur. Life, I. vii. (1862), 72. Bastions and counterscarps of clipped yew and variegated holly.
3. attrib.
1670. Brooks, Wks. (1867), VI. 376. The counter-scarf towers.
1828. J. M. Spearman, Brit. Gunner (ed. 2), 353. Counterscarpe revêtements.
Hence Counterscarp v. trans., to provide or defend with a counterscarp: also fig.
1611. Florio, Contrascarpáre, to counterskarfe.
1648. trans. Senault’s Par. Job, 392. [Rocks] counter-skarfed and encompassed with Praecipices.
