REDOUBT (OF. redid!, Fr. recruit, from ML. rrilurtus, refuge. redoubt, from Lat. redueerc, to lead hack, from back again, anew + dueere, to lead). A field fortification. A redoubt varies in form and solidity according to the exigencies of the ease, and the time at the disposal of the defenders. The cavity caused by the excavation of earth for the construction of the parapet is called the ditch, and constitutes a formidable obstacle to the enemy. The sides of the ditch are known as the escarp and the counterscarp, respectively (see Plan in article FORTIFICATION) , and are made a46 steep as possible. Chevanx-de frise (q.v.) o• similar constructions are placed along the bottom of the ditch. If the parapet is very high, a berm (q.v.). or narrow strip, will be left between the base of the parapet and the edge of the ditch, and generally fortified by fraizrs, o• sharp-pointed stakes, projecting over the ditch, from both berm and eounterseanf. The
exterior slope of the parapet has been found to resist artillery fire to greater advantage when left at its natural slope; but the superior slope is constructed with an incline of I in 6. permit ting the defenders to observe the ground in front of the ditch without injuring the crest of the parapet. The interior slope (1 in 3 or 4) is strongly revetted. In field redoubts, the height of the parapet rarely, if ever, exceeds 12 feet. Tra verses (q.v.) are constructed similarly to the parapet, and are usually thrown :cross the covered way or other important points as a pro tection against enfilade fire, or (as parados) to defend the troops garrisoning the rear face from fire coming from the front. See SIEGE AND SIEGE WORKS.