ADSCRIPTS

, in Trigonometry, is used by some mathematicians, for the tangents of arcs. Vieta calls them also prosines.

ADVANCE-Fosse, in Fortification, a ditch thrown round the esplanade or glacis of a place, to prevent its being surprised by the besiegers.

The ditch sometimes made in that part of the lines or retrenchments nearest the enemy, to prevent him from attacking them, is also called the advance-fosse.

The advance-fosse should always be full of water, otherwise it will serve to cover the enemy from the fire of the place, if he should become master of the fosse. Beyond the advance-fosse it is usual to construct lunettes, redouts, &c.