Counter-mine | Webster's Dictionary (1865)

Coun'ter-mine, n.

noun

Sense 1. (Mil.) A gallery under ground so constructed as to facilitate the formation of mines, by means of which those of the enemy may be reached and destroyed. Campbell.

Sense 2. Means of opposition or counteraction; a counter-stratagem or plot.

He, thinking himself contemned, knowing no counter-mine against contempt but terror, began to let nothing pass . . . without sharp punishment. Sidney.

The matter being brought to a trial of skill, the counter-mine was only an act of self-preservation. L'Estrange.

Coun'ter-mīne', v. t.

verbtransitive

[imp. & p. p. COUNTER-MINED; p. pr. & vb. n. COUNTERMINING.]

(Mil.) To oppose by means of a counter-mine; to frustrate the designs of, by sinking a well and gallery in the earth, in search of an enemy's mine.
To frustrate by secret and opposing measures; to counterwork.

Coun'ter-mīne', v. i.

verbintransitive

v. i. To make a counter-mine or counter-plot; to work against an opponent by secret measures; to plot secretly.

’Tis hard for man to countermine with God. Chapman.