line of battle
The term "line of battle" originates from military tactics, particularly in naval warfare, where it describes a strategic formation to maximize combat effectiveness.
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Definition
C1Naval Warfare
(technical, historical)A formation where warships align end to end to maximize their side-mounted cannons' effectiveness against the enemy.
Example
- During the battle, the fleet adopted a line of battle to concentrate their firepower.
- The admiral ordered the ships to form a line of battle as they approached the enemy.
B2Land Warfare
(technical, historical)An arrangement of troops in a straight line, ready to engage the enemy.
Example
- The soldiers stood in a line of battle, prepared for the incoming attack.
- Commanders often used a line of battle to organize their forces before a confrontation.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "line of battle":
battle lineline abreastline of marchline of attackback linefront lineenemy lineline upline of firepitched battleforward linefiring lineland battleshiprunning battleline of communicationpicket linesecond line