counterscarp

[ koun-ter-skahrp ]

/ ˈkaʊn tərˌskɑrp /

the exterior slope or wall of the ditch of a fort, supporting the covered way.

Origin of counterscarp

1565–75; counter- + scarp (modeled on Italian contrascarpa); replacing counterscarfe, with scarfe obsolete variant of scarp

Covered Way, road formed on the counterscarp and protected by the relief of the glacis (see p. 308).

Annals of a Fortress |E. Viollet-le-Duc
Before this curtain is a platform, in the place of a counterscarp, on which are planted cannon of large size.

Ten Thousand Wonderful Things |Edmund Fillingham King
On the 18th three mines were exploded, and the counterscarp was blown into the ditch.

The History of England in Three Volumes, Vol.III. |E. Farr and E. H. Nolan
The Swedes followed up their fire by leaping the counterscarp and falling tooth and nail upon the foe with furious outcries.

Journeys Through Bookland, Vol. 8 |Charles H. Sylvester

Then Marshal Turenne broke ground, and carried on two approaches towards the Counterscarp.

An English Garner (4 of 8) |Various

counterscarp

/ (ˈkaʊntəˌskɑːp) /

fortifications the outer side of the ditch of a fort Compare escarp (def. 1)