(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."
verb
Countermarch v. i. (past & past part. countermarched; pres. part. countermarching) (Mil.) To march back, or to march in reversed order. "The two armies marched and countermarched, drew near and receded."
... having discovered the concealed enemy which they had just passed. So soon as the rear of Braddock's army had crossed the river, the enemy raised a heart rending yell, and poured down a constant and most deadly fire. Before General Braddock received his wound, he gave orders for the whole line to countermarch and form a phalanx on the bottom, so as to cover their retreat across the river. When the main column was wheeled, Grant's and Lewis' companies had proceeded so far in advance, that a large body of the enemy rushed down from both sides of the ravine, and intercepted them. A most ... — Chronicles of Border Warfare • Alexander Scott Withers
... belonged was a dozen miles away. They were everywhere, preceding the columns like a buzzing, stinging swarm of bees, a living curtain, behind which the infantry could mask their movements and march and countermarch as securely as if they were at home upon parade. And Maurice's heart sank in his bosom as he looked at the road, crowded with chasseurs and hussars which our leaders put to ... — The Downfall • Emile Zola
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