Armistice

a military term. The literal meaning of the word is a standing still or rest of arms. An armistice may be a suspension of hostilities for a few hours in order to hold a parley or bury the dead; or it may be protracted indefinitely with a view to the negotiation of peace. During an armistice it is a point of military honor that neither party shall take steps to render its position stronger at the close than it was at the beginning. At such a time it is considered dishonorable to repair fortifications, dig trenches, or anything of the sort. An armistice may be agreed upon between two commanders on the field of battle, or between two governments. In either case, the territory and the length of time are specified carefully.