Demilune

2 definitions found

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

  Ravelin \Rave"lin\ (r[a^]v"l[i^]n; 277), n. [F.; cf. Sp.
     rebellin, It. revellino, rivellino; perhaps fr. L. re- again
     + vallum wall.] (Fort.)
     A detached work with two embankments which make a salient
     angle. It is raised before the curtain on the counterscarp of
     the place. Formerly called {demilune} and {half-moon}.


     [1913 Webster]

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

  Demilune \Dem"i*lune`\, n. [F. demi- lune.]
     1. (Fort.) A work constructed beyond the main ditch of a
        fortress, and in front of the curtain between two
        bastions, intended to defend the curtain; a ravelin. See
        {Ravelin}.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     2. (Physiol.) A crescentic mass of granular protoplasm
        present in the salivary glands.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     Note: Each crescent is made of polyhedral cells which under
           some circumstances are supposed to give rise to new
           salivary cells.
           [1913 Webster]