BLOCKHOUSE

blockhouse, in fortification, a small roofed work serving as a fortified post for a small garrison. the word, common since 1500, is of uncertain origin, and was applied to what is now called a _fort d'arret_, a detached fort blocking the access to a landing, channel, pass, bridge or defile. the modern blockhouse is a building, sometimes of two storeys, which is loopholed on all sides, and not infrequently, in the case of two-storey blockhouses, provided with a _machicoulis_ gallery. blockhouses are built of wood, brick, stone, corrugated iron or any material available. during the south african war (1899-1902) they were often sent from england to the front in ready-made sections.