Counterorder

Usually it was very difficult to divert the skipper from any procedure he had decided upon: he was fond of quoting Napoleon's "Order plus counterorder equals disorder." ❋ Unknown (2010)

While they were grappling with these issues the matter was settled for them by the surprising arrival of a counterorder from the Bents, delivered by the taciturn old hunter Lonesome Dick, who seemed put out that he had had to ride so hard on their behalf. ❋ Larry McMurtry (2004)

The counterorder of the provisional government was virtually ignored, and the committee system was subsequently introduced in all army detachments. ❋ Unknown (2001)

As he and his men were rolling toward the enemy position, von Ribbentrop received a counterorder from his battalion commander. ❋ Kurowski, Franz (1992)

Lady Annabel was almost afraid to counterorder the usual meals, lest Venetia should comprehend her secret terror; the very same sentiment influenced Venetia. ❋ Benjamin Disraeli (1842)

A chasseur had been dispatched with the counterorder, who passed the exulting, but deluded G---- on the road. ❋ John Carr (1802)

As a result of this tragicomedy of order and counterorder, d’Erlon’s command spent the entire afternoon and evening marching and countermarching between the two fields of battle without firing a shot at either; and the full irony of the situation was, of course, that the Ist Corps’ effective intervention on either scene of action would have resulted in a major French victory. ❋ DAVID G. CHANDLER (1966)