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.