countermarch Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun (military) a march in the reverse direction or back along the same route
  2. verb march back along the same way
  3. verb change the order of soldiers during a march

WordNet

Coun`ter*march" intransitive verb
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Countermarched present participle & verbal noun Countermarching
Definitions
  1. (Mil.) To march back, or to march in reversed order.
    The two armies marched and countermarched, drew near and receded. Macaulay.
Coun"ter*march` noun
Definitions
  1. A marching back; retrocession.
  2. (Mil.) An evolution by which a body of troops change front or reverse the direction of march while retaining the same men in the front rank; also, a movement by which the rear rank becomes the front one, either with or without changing the right to the left.
  3. A change of measures; alteration of conduct.
    Such countermarches and retractions as we do not willingly impute to wisdom. T. Burnet.

Webster 1913