REINFORCE

, in Gunnery, is that part of a gun next the breech, which is made stronger to resist the force of the powder. There are usually two Reinforces in each piece, called the first and second Reinforce. The second is somewhat smaller than the first, because the inflamed powder in that part is less strong.

Reinforce Rings of a cannon, are flat mouldings, like iron hoops, placed at the breech end of the first and second Reinforce, projecting beyond the rest of the metal about a quarter of an inch.