Machicolation

Machicolation
Machicolation Mach`i*co*la"tion, n. [Cf. LL. machicolamentum, machacolladura, F. m[^a]chicolis, m[^a]checoulis; perh. fr. F. m[`e]che match, combustible matter + OF. coulis, couleis, flowing, fr. OF. & F. couler to flow. Cf. {Match} for making fire, and {Cullis}.] [1913 Webster] 1. (Mil. Arch.) An opening between the corbels which support a projecting parapet, or in the floor of a gallery or the roof of a portal, for shooting or dropping missiles upon assailants attacking the base of the walls. Also, the construction of such defenses, in general, when of this character. See Illusts. of {Battlement} and {Castle}. [1913 Webster]

2. The act of discharging missiles or pouring burning or melted substances upon assailants through such apertures. [1913 Webster]


The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.

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  • machicolation — [mə chik΄ə lā′shən] n. [< MACHICOLATE] 1. an opening in the floor of a projecting gallery or parapet, between the supports or corbels, or in the roof over an entrance, through which hot liquids, heavy stones, etc. could be dropped by the… …   English World dictionary

  • Machicolation — A machicolation is a floor opening between the supporting corbels of a battlement, through which stones and lethally hot liquids and substances could be dropped on attackers at the base of a defensive wall. The design was developed in the Middle… …   Wikipedia

  • machicolation — noun Etymology: Medieval Latin machicolare to furnish with machicolations, from Middle French machicoller, from machicoleis machicolation, from macher to crush + col neck, from Latin collum more at collar Date: 1787 1. a. an opening between the… …   New Collegiate Dictionary

  • machicolation — /meuh chik euh lay sheuhn/, n. Archit. 1. an opening in the floor between the corbels of a projecting gallery or parapet, as on a wall or in the vault of a passage, through which missiles, molten lead, etc., might be cast upon an enemy beneath. 2 …   Universalium

  • machicolation — noun a) An opening between the corbels which support a projecting parapet, or in the floor of a gallery or the roof of a portal, shooting or dropping missiles upon assailants attacking the base of the walls. Also, the …   Wiktionary

  • Machicolation — An opening between the corbels which support a projecting parapet, or in the vault of a portal, through which molten lead, hot oil, stones, etc. could be dropped on attackers below. This is an 18c word formed from Machecole …   Dictionary of Medieval Terms and Phrases

  • machicolation —  Gallery at the top of a castle tower …   Bryson’s dictionary for writers and editors

  • machicolation — mÉ™ tʃɪkÉ™leɪʃn n. opening in a projecting parapet or in the floor of a gallery or roof through which missiles could be dropped on attackers …   English contemporary dictionary

  • machicolation —    In the architecture of castles, an opening in the floor of an overhanging gallery through which defenders dropped stones and boiling liquids on attackers. (pr. muh chi keh lay shun) …   Glossary of Art Terms

  • machicolation — noun (in medieval fortifications) an opening between the supporting corbels of a projecting structure, through which stones or burning objects could be dropped on attackers. ↘a projecting structure containing machicolations …   English new terms dictionary

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