Machicolations
(lit. mashing devices): On a castle, a series of openings between the corbels that support a projecting parapet through which missiles can be dropped. Used decoratively on post-medieval buildings.
Machicolations - Projecting gallery on brackets, on outside of castle or towers, with holes in floor for dropping rocks, shooting, etc.
Mantlet - Detached fortification preventing direct access to a gateway; low outer wall.
Machicolations
These openings project out from the tops of walls in medieval castles and manor houses, just below the battlements. They allow hot liquids and other unpleasant substances to be poured on those below.
Machicolations
a stone structure that projected from the top of a wall with gaps through which defenders could drop heavy objects, such as rocks, onto attackers below
Mail or chain mail ...
Blind machicolations: Machicolations which were built without openings which were used as decoration, machicoltions became defunct due to the introduction and perfection of artillery in siegecraft, dating from the late 14th century.
Concealed machicolations are usually set into the roof above a... [more]
See also
Fortification
Related ArchNet Materials ...
To provide or furnish with machicolations.
[Medieval Latin machicolre, machicolt-, from Old French machicoller, from machicoleis, machicolation, from Old Provençal machacol : macar, to crush (from Vulgar Latin *maccre) + col, neck (from Latin collum; ...
On either side of the portal are brick towers complete with machicolations, decorative loop holes - once used for shooting arrows - merlons - used for the same purpose - and pepper pot roofs.
The word derives from the Old French word machicoller, derived from Old Provençal machacol, and ultimately from Latin macar (to crush) + collum (the neck). A variant of machicolations set in the ceiling of a passage was also colloquially known as ...
 See also: Machicolation, Architecture, Medieval, Corbel, Castle
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