enfilade

Etymology

Definitions

1. 1

   A line or straight passage, or the position of that which lies in a straight line.

2. 2

   Gunfire directed along the length of a target.

   • Uncle Charles, a truly unparalleled slinger of shit, is laying down an enfilade of same, trying to mollify men who seem way more in need of a good brow-mopping than I.
   • In minutes they had gained the top, fell prone, and began to pour deadly repeater-fire into the enemy below while their compatriots raked the top of the coulee with an enfilade.
3. 3

   A series of doors that provide a vista when open.

4. ›+ 3 more definitionsshow fewer

   1. 4

      To rake (something) with gunfire.

      • A great quantity of artillery was placed upon the eminence, so as to batter and enfilade the left of their intrenchments.
      • It was by his order the shattered leading company flung itself into the houses when the Sin Verguenza were met by an enfilading volley as they reeled into the calle.
   2. 5

      To be directed toward (something) like enfilading gunfire.

      • Together they saw the market thicken, and in course of time thin away with the slow decline of the sun towards the upper end of town, its rays taking the street endways and enfilading the long thoroughfare from top to bottom.
      • From her rocking chair in the parlour, Mrs. Zell’s scrutiny enfiladed the entire block.
   3. 6

      To arrange (rooms or other structures) in a row.

The neighborhood

• synonymflanking fire
• synonymraking fire
• synonymflank