COVERT-WAY, in fortification, is a space of 5 or 6 fathoms on the border of the ditch towards the country, covered by a rising ground, which has a gentle slope towards the field. This slope is called the glacis of the covert-way. See [Fortification].
Second Covert-way, or as the French call it avant chemin couvert, is the covert-way at the foot of the glacis. [See] [Fortification].
CRAB. See [Gin].
CRANE, an instrument made with ropes, pullies, and hooks, by which great weights are raised.
CREDITS. See [Debts and Credits].
CREMAILLE, in field fortification, is when the inside line of the parapet is broken in such a manner as to resemble the teeth of a saw; whereby this advantage is gained, that a greater fire can be brought to bear upon the defile, than if only a simple face were opposed to it; and consequently the passage is rendered more difficult.
Redouts en Cremaillere, or Cremaille, are such as are constructed as above mentioned.
CRESSET, any great light upon a beacon, light-house, or watch-tower.
CRETE, in fortification, implies the earth thrown out of the ditch in a fortification, trench, &c. The most elevated part of a parapet or glacis.
CRI des armes, Fr. a savage custom which is still preserved by the Turks and other uncivilized nations, whenever they go into action. It was formerly practised among the French, Spaniards, and the English, &c. The national exclamations were Montjoie and St. Dennis for France, St. James for Spain, St. George for England, St. Malo or St. Yves for the Dukes of Britanny, St. Lambert for the principality of Liege, &c. The war-whoop may likewise be considered in this light. It is still practised among the savages of America. See [War-whoop].