piece·meal / ˈpēsˌmēl/ • adj. & adv. characterized by unsystematic partial measures taken over a period of time: [as adj.] the village is slowly being killed off by piecemeal development | [as adv.] some can only be had as part of a package, while others can be installed piecemeal.

Piecemeal

PIECEMEAL. "Piecemeal" is the military term for committing portions of a command into action as they become available on the battlefield. It is good tactics provided it is possible to build up a preponderant force (superior combat power) faster than the enemy, and it is common in a "meeting engagement."

SEE ALSO Meeting Engagement.

                                 revised by Mark M. Boatner