in the Roman armies, soldiers placed before the standards, in order to defend them, according to Limpfius; but Cæsar and Livy mention the antesignani as the first line, or first body, of heavy-armed troops. The velites, who used to skirmish before the army, were likewise called antesignani.

ANTESTATURE, in fortification, a small trench made of palisadoes, or packs of earth, with a view to dispute with an enemy the remainder of a piece of ground.