REDANS

, or Redant, or Redens, in Fortification, is a kind of work indented like the teeth of a saw, with salient and re-entering angles; to the end that one part may flank or defend another. It is called also saw work, and indented work.

Redans are often used in fortifying of walls, where it is not necessary to be at the expence of building bastions; as when they stand on the side of a river, or a marsh, or the sea, &c. But the fault of such fortification is, that the besiegers from one battery may ruin both the sides of the tenaille or front of a place, and make an assault without fear of being ensiladed, since the defences are ruined.

The parapet of the corridor also is frequently Redented, or carried on by the way of Redans.