En`fi*lade" (?; 277), n. [F., fr. enfiler to thread, go trough a street or square, rake with shot; pref. en- (L. in) + fil thread. See File a row.] 1. A line or straight passage, or the position of that which lies in a straight line. [R.]

2. (Mil.) A firing in the direction of the length of a trench, or a line of parapet or troops, etc.; a raking fire.

En`fi*lade", v. t. [imp. & p. p. Enfiladed; p. pr. & vb. n. Enfilading.] (Mil.) To pierce, scour, or rake with shot in the direction of the length of, as a work, or a line of troops. Campbell.

• gunfire directed along the length of a target
  
• (architecture) a series of doors that provide a vista when open
  
• to rake something with gunfire