machicolation

A projecting gallery at the top of a castle wall, supported by a row of corbels and having openings in the floor through which stones and boiling liquids could be dropped on attackers.

One of these openings.

A row of small projecting arches used as an ornamental architectural feature.

In medieval architecture, an opening in the vault of a portal or passage, or in the floor of a projecting gallery, made for the purpose of hurling missiles, or pouring down molten lead, hot pitch, etc., upon an enemy essaying to enter or mine.

The act of hurling missiles or of pouring burning liquids upon an enemy through apertures such as those described above.

By extension, a machicolated parapet or gallery, or a projection supported on corbels, in imitation of medieval machicolated construction, without openings.

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.

The act of discharging missiles or pouring burning or melted substances upon assailants through such apertures.

An opening between the corbels which support a projecting parapet, or in the floor of a gallery or the roof of a portal, shooting or dropping missiles upon assailants attacking the base of the walls. Also, the construction of such defenses, in general, when of this character.