Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Countermine
Coun′ter-mineˊ
(koun′tẽr-mīnˊ)
, Noun.
[
Counter-
+ mine
underground gallery: cf. F. contermine
.] 1.
(Mil.)
An underground gallery excavated to intercept and destroy the mining of an enemy.
2.
A stratagem or plot by which another sratagem or project is defeated.
Thinking himself contemned, knowing no
countermine
against contempt but terror. Sir P. Sidney.
Counˊter-mine′
(kounˊtẽr-mīn′)
, Verb.
T.
[Cf. F.
contreminer
.] [
imp. & p. p.
Countermined
; p. pr. & vb. n.
Countermining
.] 1.
(Mil.)
To oppose by means of a countermine; to intercept with a countermine.
2.
To frustrate or counteract by secret measures.
Counˊter-mine′
,Verb.
I.
To make a countermine or counterplot; to plot secretly.
’Tis hard for man to
countermine
with God. Chapman.
Webster 1828 Edition
Countermine
COUNTERMINE
,Noun.
1.
In military affairs, a well and gallery sunk in the earth and running under ground, in search of the enemys mine, or till it meets it, to defeat its effect.2.
Means of opposition or counteraction.3.
A stratagem or project to frustrate any contrivance.COUNTERMINE
,Verb.
T.
1.
To sink a well and gallery in the earth, in search of an enemys mine, to frustrate his designs.2.
To counterwork; to frustrate by secret and opposite measures.Definition 2024
countermine
countermine
See also: counter-mine
English
Noun
countermine (plural countermines)
- A mine used by defenders to intercept an enemy mine or tunnel.
- 1990, Peter Hopkirk, The Great Game, Folio Society 2010, p. 436:
- Normally the threat would have been dealt with by means of a counter-mine, but the tunnel was now far too close for that.
- 1990, Peter Hopkirk, The Great Game, Folio Society 2010, p. 436:
- An underground gallery excavated to intercept and destroy the mining of an enemy.
- A stratagem or plot by which another stratagem or project is defeated.
- Sir Philip Sidney
- Thinking himself contemned, knowing no countermine against contempt but terror.
- Sir Philip Sidney
Verb
countermine (third-person singular simple present countermines, present participle countermining, simple past and past participle countermined)
- To plot opposition; to frustrate the initiatives of another.
- 1749, Henry Fielding, The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling, Book VI, chapter iii
- […] every gamester will agree how necessary it is to know exactly the play of another, in order to countermine him.
- 1749, Henry Fielding, The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling, Book VI, chapter iii
Synonyms
- (to plot opposition): counterplot