circumvallation UK /sɜːkəmvæˈleɪʃən/US /sɚkəmvæˈleɪʃən/ noun1 •A rampart or other defensive entrenchment that entirely encircles the position being defended.[...] and in a word, would intrench and fortify them round with as many circumvallations and breast-works, as my uncle Toby would a citadel. — 1761 formscircumvallations