‖ reduit Fortif.
(redɥi)
Also 7 reduite.
[F. réduit:—L. reductus: see reduct n. c, and cf. redoubt n.]
A keep or stronghold into which a garrison may retire when the outworks are taken, and so prolong the defence of the place.
| 1604 E. Grimstone Hist. Siege Ostend 215 A Blockehouse or reduite inuironed with the Sea. [1619 Gill Logon. Angl. (1621) 29 Redvite, nupera vox est à reduco, munimentum pro tempore aut occasione factum.] 1706 Phillips (ed. Kersey) s.v., In Fortification, Reduit or Reduct [etc.]. 1802 James Milit. Dict. s.v., Reduits are sometimes used for the purpose of securing different posts in a town independent of its citadel. 1841 Penny Cycl. XIX. 346/1 Thus were formed good defensive posts, to each of which the mill served as a reduit or keep. 1876 Voyle & Stevenson Milit. Dict. (ed. 3) 334/2 Blockhouses form the most suitable reduits for fieldworks. |