CAVALIER

, in Fortification, a mount of earth raised in a fortress higher than the other works, on which to place cannon &c for scouring the field, or opposing a commanding work. Cavaliers are of different shapes; and are bordered with a parapet, to cover the cannon mounted upon them; their situation is also various, either in the curtain, bastion, or gorge. The cavalier is sometimes called a double bastion, and its use is to overlook the enemy's batteries, and to scour their trenches.