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machicolation

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noun ma·chic·o·la·tion \ mə-ˌchi-kə-ˈlā-shən \

Definition of machicolation

1 a :an opening between the corbels of a projecting parapet or in the floor of a gallery or roof of a portal for discharging missiles upon assailants below — see battlement illustration
b :a gallery or parapet containing such openings
2 :construction imitating medieval machicolation
—

machicolated

play \mə-ˈchi-kə-ˌlā-təd\ adjective

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Origin and Etymology of machicolation

Medieval Latin machicolare to furnish with machicolations, from Middle French machicoller, from machicoleis machicolation, from macher to crush + col neck, from Latin collum — more at collar

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  1. Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about machicolation

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