REDOUBT' is a small fort of varying shape, constructed for a temporary purpose, and usually without flanking defenses. The term is vague in its acceptation, being applied equally to detached posts and to a strong position within another fortress. Redoubts as a general rule do not exceed 40 yards square, with 4 guns and a garrison of 320 men. Redoubts are made square, pentagonal, and even circular. Each redoubt has parapet, ditch, scarps, banquette, etc.• as in regular fortification; but it is commonly rather roughly constructed. haste and unprofessional labor precluding mathematical accuracy. The entrance may he by a cutting through the parapet, the cutting being covered within by a traverse; or preferably, by an excavated gallery leading into the ditch, and thence by a ramp through the counterscarp. For the sake of flanking the ditch, and preventing an assaulting party from forming in it, caponnieres of timber, loopholed, are sometimes formed; or, if the soil be stiff or chalky, a gallery may be cut behind the counterscarp, and loopholed toward the ditch. In some modern redoubts the line of each side is broken to afford flanking defense. Redoubts have the weak feature of not defending
their own ditches, and of being approached at their salient angles with comparative impunity. They are therefore not adapted to a protracted defense, but as temporary field works, or in a war of posts, they are often of incalculable importance. Troops whose stability in the open field is doubtful are especially strengthened by redoubts in their line. Redoubts are particularly useful in fortifying the tops of bills, or command ing passes, or where the object is to occupy a hostile territory, or to feel the way gradu ally through a wooded country. • REDOUT a port on the Black sea coast, in the district KutaIs of the Russian lieutenancy of Caucasia, is situated• in a marshy region at the mouth of a small river, about 12m. n. of Poti. It possesses a Russian fortress of considerable strength, fired by the Russians in 1854 to prevent its falling into the hands of the English. Population inconsiderable, though increasing.