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Webster's 1828 Dictionary

CONTRAVALLATION

n.[L., to fortify. ] In fortification, a trench guarded with a parapet, thrown round a place by the besiegers, to secure themselves, and check the sallies of the garrison.

 

Webster's 1913 Dictionary

CONTRAVALLATION

Con `tra *val *la "tion, n. Etym: [Pref. contra- + vallation: cf. F.contrevallation. Cf. Countervallation. ] (Fort. )

 

Defn: A trench guarded with a parapet, constructed by besiegers, to secure themselves and check sallies of the besieged.