HALF-BEAK, a group of fishes consisting of several species belonging to the family Hemiramphidae, distinguished from the needlefish, which they closely resemble by the shortness of the upper jaw, whence they take their name. The half-beak is a small attractively coloured fish native to the coasts of tropical countries.
An early form of counter-guard work in fortification, sometimes known as a demi-lune, built in front of the bastion to protect it from breaching fire. The work usually consisted of two ramparts meeting at an angle with a half moon shaped gorge from which it derived its name. (See further FORTI FICATION AND SIEGECRAFT.)