[COUNTER- 3, 13.]
1. gen. Any work intended to oppose or counteract another work; opposing work or operation.
1598. Florio, Contraoperatione, a counterworke, a contrarie operation.
1846. Trench, Mirac., Introd. (1862), 23. Side by side with the miracles … runs another line of wonders, counterworks of his who is ever the ape of the Most High.
1871. Tylor, Prim. Cult., II. 297. The history of good and evil … is the history of his work and her counterwork.
2. Mil. A work raised in opposition to those of the enemy.
1650. Cromwell, Lett., 2 April (Carlyle). The enemy had made two retrenchments or counter-works, strongly palisadoed.
1704. Lond. Gaz., No. 4077/2. We are preparing a Counter-work, from whence we may beat them from the Breach.
1836. Thirlwall, Greece, III. xxv. 411. The whole army proceeded … to the counterwork.
fig. a. 1734. North, Exam., III. vi. § 49. 459. If any Good was done, they might erect some Counterworks to prevent its Effect.
