| 释义 |
machicolation Arch.|mətʃɪkəˈleɪʃən|
[f. prec.: see -ation.]
1. An opening between the corbels which support a projecting parapet, or in the vault of a portal, through which combustibles, molten lead, stones, etc., were dropped on the heads of assailants. Also, a projecting structure containing a range of such openings.
1788Grose Milit. Antiq. II. 336 The grand entrance was mostly through a gate flanked by two large and strong towers, with a projection over the passage, called a machicolation. 1806J. Dallaway Observ. Eng. Archit. 92 Lofty embattled walls..crested with hanging galleries and macchicolations which served the double purpose of military defence and great external beauty. 1832G. Downes Lett. Cont. Countries I. 521 The antique castle is furnished with a machicolation. 1848Rickman Archit. 119 Wakefield steeple..is singular for its machicolations in the top of the tower. 1871M. E. Braddon Lovels v. 87 The crenellated roof, with its machicolations, is considered a great success.
2. The action of discharging missiles, etc., through such apertures. rare—0; perh. an error.
1828–32in Webster; and in later Dicts. |