Flèche

A flèche (from the French for arrow) is used in French architecture to refer to a spire and in English to refer to a lead-covered timber spire, or spirelet. These are placed on the ridges of church or cathedral roofs and are usually relatively small. However, larger versions can be found on cathedrals such as Amiens Cathedral, Notre Dame de Paris and Coventry Cathedral. The highest flèche in the world was built at the end of 19th century for Rouen Cathedral. Its height is 157 metres (515 ft).

Notes

Flèche (fencing)

The flèche /ˈflɛʃ/ is an aggressive offensive fencing technique used with foil and épée.

Background

In a flèche, a fencer transfers his or her weight onto his or her front foot and starts to extend the arm. The rear leg initiates the attack, but the ball of the leading foot provides the explosive impulse that is needed to drive the fencer toward the opponent. Continuing to bring the weapon, arm, and front shoulder forward, he or she picks up his or her back foot, crossing his or her front leg, and landing it in front of the other foot - as if taking an exaggerated walking stride. It is at this point, when the back foot lands and just after that arm has become fully extended, that the hit should be made. In foil, the attack is considered over when the back foot lands, and the opponent can seize Right of Way by initiating an attack.

After attempting the hit, the fencer continues to move forward, running past his or her opponent, to avoid the riposte if he or she was parried, or a counterattack. If the fencer moves past as quickly as possible the opponent generally only has one chance to hit the fleching fencer as he/she passes. Rules prevent body contact with the opponent in foil. Infraction of the rule may result in a warning, awarding a touch to the opponent, and/or expulsion from the competition. In épée, contact merely results in a stopping of play without penalty, unless it was done with jostling, brutality, or to avoid being hit.

Flèche (fortification)

A flèche (Fr. for "arrow") is an outwork consisting of two converging faces with a parapet and an open gorge, forming a arrowhead shape facing the enemy.

The flèche is similar in plan to other defensive works like the ravelin and demi-lune, but smaller and built in front of the glacis. It was thus part of the outworks of a fortress. It was usually placed in front of the point of a bastion in order to create an additional level of fire.

See also

References

Literature