05 October 2004

machicolation - Word for the Day, Tuesday 5 October 2004

machicolation · m&-"chi-k&-'lEI-sh&n · noun

1 a : an opening between the corbels of a projecting parapet or in the floor of a gallery or roof of a portal for discharging missiles upon assailants below – compare battlement
b : a gallery or parapet containing such openings

2 : construction imitating medieval machicolation-


machicolated · m&-'chi-k&-"lEI-t&d · adjective

Etymology: Medieval Latin machicolare to furnish with machicolations, from Middle French machicoller, from machicoleis machicolation, from macher to crush + col neck, from Latin collum – compare collar

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