Defile (d&euptack_;fīl), v. i. [imp. & p. p. Defiled (d&euptack_;fīld); p. pr. & vb. n. Defiling.] [F. défiler; pref. dé-, for des- (L. dis-) + file a row or line. See File a row.] To march off in a line, file by file; to file off.
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Defile (d&euptack_;fīl or dēfīl; 277), n. [Cf. F. défilé, fr. défiler to defile.] 1. Any narrow passage or gorge in which troops can march only in a file, or with a narrow front; a long, narrow pass between hills, rocks, etc.
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2. (Mil.) The act of defilading a fortress, or of raising the exterior works in order to protect the interior. See Defilade.
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