; they hold it from being thrust
forward from behind, and, even when it is battered away, retain the
earth at the back at such a steep slope that the formation of a
practicable breach remains very difficult. When arches are turned
between the counterforts, the strength of the whole structure is much
increased: it is then called a _counter-arched revetement_.

COUNTERGUARD. In fortification, a smaller rampart raised in front of a
larger one, principally with the intention of delaying for a period the
besieger's attack. Other means, however, are generally preferred in
modern times, except when a rapid fall in the ground renders it
difficult to cover the main escarp by ordinary resources.

COUNTER-LINE. A word often used for _contravallation_.

COUNTERMARCH. To change the direction of a march to its exact opposite.
In some military movements this involves the changing of front and
wings.

COUNTERMINES. Military defensive mines: they may be arranged on a system
for the protection of the whole of a front of fortification by the
discovering and blowing up not only the subterranean approaches of the
besieger, but also his more important lodgments above.

COUNTER-MOULD. The converse of _mould_ (which see).

COUNTER-RAILS. The balustrade work, or ornamental moulding across a
square stern, where the counter terminates.

COUNTERSCARP. In fortification, the outer side of the ditch next the
country; it is usually of less height, and less strongly revetted than
the escarp, the side which forms the face of the rampart.

COUNTER-SEA. The disturbed state of the sea after a gale, when, the wind
having changed, the sea still runs in its old direction.

COUNTERSIGN. A particular word or number which is exchanged between
sentinels, and intrusted to those on duty. (_See_ PAROLE.)

COUNTER-SUNK. Those holes which are made for the heads of bolts or nails
to be sunk in, so as to be even with the general surface.

COUNTER-TIMBERS. Short right-aft timbers for the purpose of
strengthening the counter, and forming the stern.

COUNTER-TRENCHES. _See_ COUNTER-APPROACHES.

COUNTRY. A term synonymous with _station_. The place whither a ship
happens to be ordered.

COUP DE GRACE. The finishing shot which brings an enemy to surrender; or
the wound which deprives an adversary of life or resistance.

COUP DE MAIN. A sudden and vigorous attack.

COUP D'[OE]IL. The skill of distinguishing, at first sight, the weakness
of an enemy's positio