Machicolation

2 definitions found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  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]

From WordNet (r) 2.0 [wn]:

  machicolation
       n : a projecting parapet supported by corbels on a medieval
           castle; has openings through which stones or boiling
           water could be dropped on an enemy