How Do You Spell MACHICOLATED?

Pronunciation: [mˈat͡ʃɪkˌɒle͡ɪtɪd] (IPA)

The word "machicolated" is spelled /məˈtʃɪkəleɪtɪd/. The first syllable is pronounced with a schwa sound, followed by a "ch" sound and the vowel "i." The second syllable begins with a "k" sound and then has a long "a" sound, followed by another "k" sound. The final syllable starts with an "i" sound, followed by a "d" sound and the suffix "-ed." This word describes a fortified structure that has openings in its floor to allow defenders to drop objects on attackers.

MACHICOLATED Meaning and Definition

1. Machicolated is an adjective that describes a structure or building, typically a fortification or castle, that has machicolations. Machicolations are projections or openings in the upper portions of walls, usually near the top parapet, which allow defenders to survey and attack enemies below.

   The term "machicolated" originates from the word "machicolation," which comes from the Medieval Latin word "machicollātus." These architectural features were more commonly used during the Middle Ages to strengthen the defensive capabilities of castles and fortresses.

   Machicolated structures were often built with safety and strategic advantages in mind. Defenders could observe or drop objects, such as rocks or boiling liquids, through the openings onto enemies attempting to siege the fortification. This gave defenders an advantage, as they could strike the attackers while remaining protected behind the walls.

   The act of machicolating a building involved incorporating these structures into the uppermost levels of the walls during construction or retrofitting. The machicolations themselves consisted of small vertical openings through which defensive measures could be deployed, such as arrows, boiling water or oil, or projectiles dropped on the attackers.

   In summary, "machicolated" refers to a structure, most commonly a castle or fortification, that is equipped with machicolations – small openings designed for observation and defense – in its upper parts.

2. In anc. fortifications, having pierced parapets or galleries projecting from the faces of the walls, from which pitch and offensive missiles might be thrown upon the besiegers below.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for MACHICOLATED

• nachicolated
• kachicolated
• jachicolated
• mzchicolated
• mschicolated
• mwchicolated
• mqchicolated
• maxhicolated
• mavhicolated
• mafhicolated
• madhicolated
• macgicolated
• macbicolated
• macnicolated
• macjicolated
• macuicolated
• macyicolated
• machucolated
• machjcolated

Etymology of MACHICOLATED

The word "machicolated" is derived from the noun "machicolation", which originated from the Old French word "machicoler". The French term was a combination of "machicole", meaning "defensive fortification", and "er", a suffix indicating the function or action of. "Machicolation" referred to a projecting gallery or floor with openings, often equipped with parapets or openings for dropping projectiles, usually stones or boiling liquids, onto attackers. Eventually, "machicolated" formed as the past participle form of "machicolate", describing a structure that features machicolations.