Hypertext Webster Gateway: "reconnaissance"
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)
Reconnoissance \Re*con"nois*sance\, Reconnaissance
\Re*con"nais*sance\ (r?-k?n"n?s-s?ns), n. [F. See
{Recognizance}.]
The act of reconnoitering; preliminary examination or survey.
Specifically:
(a) (Geol.) An examination or survey of a region in reference
to its general geological character.
(b) (Engin.) An examination of a region as to its general
natural features, preparatory to a more particular survey
for the purposes of triangulation, or of determining the
location of a public work.
(c) (Mil.) An examination of a territory, or of an enemy's
position, for the purpose of obtaining information
necessary for directing military operations; a
preparatory expedition.
{Reconnoissance in force} (Mil.), a demonstration or attack
by a large force of troops for the purpose of discovering
the position and strength of an enemy.
From WordNet (r) 1.7 (wn)
reconnaissance
n : the act of reconnoitring (especially to gain information
about an enemy or potential enemy)
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