machicolation

• Substantif désignant un parapet en saillie soutenu par des consoles dans un château médiéval, percé d'ouvertures par lesquelles on pouvait laisser tomber des pierres ou verser de l'eau bouillante sur l'ennemi.

A noun referring to a projecting parapet supported by corbels on a medieval castle, featuring openings through which stones or boiling water could be dropped on an enemy.

1. Castle defense structureC2formal

   A projecting parapet supported by corbels on a medieval castle or fortification, featuring openings through which stones, hot oil, or other projectiles could be dropped on attackers below.

   Mâchicoulis

   • The castle's machicolation provided an effective defense during the siege.
   • Architects studied the intricate corbels and openings of the machicolation.
   • From the machicolation, soldiers could pour boiling water onto the enemy.
   • The restored medieval fortress still retains its original machicolation on the main tower.