Contravallation
Pronunciation : Con`tra*val*la"tion
Part of Speech : n.
Etymology : [Pref. contra- + vallation: cf. F. contrevallation. Cf. Countervallation.] (Fort.)
Definition : Defn: A trench guarded with a parapet, constructed by besiegers, to secure themselves and check sallies of the besieged.
Source : Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913