machicolation

Etymology

From French mâchicoulis.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /məˌtʃɪ.kəˈleɪ.ʃən/

Noun

machicolation (countable and uncountable, plural machicolations)

1. An opening between corbels that support a projecting parapet; an opening in the floor of a gallery or the roof of a portal, from which missiles can be shot or dropped upon assailants attacking the base of the walls; the construction of such defenses.
2. The act of discharging missiles or pouring burning or melted substances upon assailants through such apertures.

References

• machicolation in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam, 1913