REDAN  , in fortification, a

work of V-shape presenting a salient angle towards the expected attack . The gorge (rear) of a redan is open . When unsupported by other works, it has the disadvantage that its fire is divergent and but few guns can be brought to bear directly towards the front . Further, both its faces are usually open to enfilade . Redans were therefore almost always used in conjunction with other works, one of the most common forms being the " lines of redans " used as field works . These consisted of lengths of plain trenches facing the front, with redans at intervals along the line . In the present day the term redan is loosely applied to works merely possessing saliency, as in the case of the celebrated bastions Nos . 3 and 2 at Sevastopol in 1854–55, usually called the "Redan " and " Little Redan " respectively (see CRIMEAN WAR) . The " Redan " was a large work of irregular outline, generally resembling a redan, but having the salient angle blunted or rounded off and the side faces broken into several minor fronts so as to obtain a field of fire in many directions .