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Webster 1913 Edition


Reconnoissance

{

Re-con′nais-sance

,

Re-con′nois-sance

}
(r?-k?n′n?s-s?ns)
,
Noun.
[F. See
Recognizance
.]
The act of reconnoitering; preliminary examination or survey.
Specifically:
(a)
(Geol.)
An examination or survey of a region in reference to its general geological character.
(b)
(Engin.)
An examination of a region as to its general natural features, preparatory to a more particular survey for the purposes of triangulation, or of determining the location of a public work.
(c)
(Mil.)
An examination of a territory, or of an enemy’s position, for the purpose of obtaining information necessary for directing military operations; a preparatory expedition.
Reconnoissance in force
(Mil.)
,
a demonstration or attack by a large force of troops for the purpose of discovering the position and strength of an enemy.