machicolation
/məˌtʃɪkəˈleɪʃən/
noun
- A projecting structure on a castle wall or tower with openings in the floor, used in medieval times to drop stones, hot oil, or other objects on attackers below.
- The architect added a decorative machicolation to give the building a medieval look.
- The castle's machicolation allowed defenders to pour boiling oil on soldiers trying to scale the walls.
- Tourists admired the well-preserved machicolation along the fortress's battlements.
Synonyms