sb. and a. Mil. [See PROOF a. 1 b.]
A. sb. A structure serving for protection from the splinters of bursting shells.
1805. James, Milit. Dict. (ed. 2), Splinter-proof, a fence or guard…. It consists of a shelving sort of frame … of … timber.
1832. Southey, Hist. Penins. War, III. 705. There were no Barracks, nor any covering for the troops except holes,… to serve for them as splinter-proofs.
1863. P. Barry, Dockyard Econ., 15. From the security of the splinter-proofs at Shoeburyness.
1884. Milit. Engin., I. II. 41. The splinter-proofs which form the roof of this cover must be laid in position … before the construction of the battery is commenced.
B. adj. Of sufficient strength to ward off the splinters of bursting shells.
1834. J. S. Macaulay, Field Fortif., 71. The best description of field powder-magazine, is constructed of splinter-proof timbers of about 10 inches by 8.
1884. Milit. Engin., I. II. 38. Gun-pits and epaulments,… screened and provided with splinter-proof cover for the gun detachments.
