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Enfilade (French)

means literally to spïn out; to put thread in [a needle], as enfiler une aiguille; to string beads by putting them on a thread, as enfiler des perles. Soldiers being compared to thread, we get the following metaphors: to go through a place as thread through a needle—to string artillery by placing it in a line and directing it against an enemy; hence, to scour or rake with shot.

 

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Entry taken from Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, edited by the Rev. E. Cobham Brewer, LL.D. and revised in 1895.

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End-irons
End Paper
End of the World (The)
Ends
Endemic
Endorse
Endymion
Enemy
Enfant Terrible (An) [lit., a terrible child]
Enfield Rifle
Enfilade (French)
England
England Expects that Every Man will do his Duty
England’s Darling
Englentyne
English French
Englishman
Englishman’s Castle
Enid
Enlightened Doctor (The)
Enniskillens