MACHICOULIS Meaning and
Definition
-
Machicoulis is a noun that refers to a defensive architectural feature found in medieval castles and fortresses. It originated in the military and architectural practices of medieval Europe and was widely employed from the 12th to the 16th century.
The term "machicoulis" is derived from French, with "macher" meaning to crush or smash, and "coulis" referring to a flow of something. It describes a structure projecting from the upper parts of a castle or a tower, usually made of stone or wood, that allowed defenders to observe and protect the fortress from above.
Machicoulis served a dual purpose in medieval fortifications. Firstly, they provided an advantageous vantage point for archers, crossbowmen, or any other ranged weapon users, enabling them to shoot projectiles through openings known as "embrasures" while remaining safely protected behind the parapet wall. Secondly, machicoulis had an additional function as a defensive barrier against attacks from the base of the castle. The stone or wooden floor of the machicoulis featured openings or holes through which various objects, including boiling water, hot oil, or heavy objects, could be dropped directly onto the attackers below, causing severe harm or hindrance.
Overall, machicoulis played a crucial role in fortification and defense strategies during the Middle Ages, acting as both an offensive and defensive mechanism to protect castles and fortresses from invasion or siege.
Common Misspellings for MACHICOULIS
- nachicoulis
- kachicoulis
- jachicoulis
- mzchicoulis
- mschicoulis
- mwchicoulis
- mqchicoulis
- maxhicoulis
- mavhicoulis
- mafhicoulis
- madhicoulis
- macgicoulis
- macbicoulis
- macnicoulis
- macjicoulis
- macuicoulis
- macyicoulis
- machucoulis
- machicoukis
- machicouis
Etymology of MACHICOULIS
The word "machicoulis" is derived from the Old French term "machicuvel", which itself comes from the medieval Latin word "machecollum".
The French term "machicuvel" was used to describe a projecting gallery at the top of a medieval fortification, typically made of wood or stone, with openings through which objects could be dropped on attackers. It served as a defensive feature to protect the entrance or the outer walls of a castle or fortress.
The Latin word "machecollum" is a compound of "machina" meaning "machine" and "collum" meaning "neck". This term reflects the function of machicoulis, which allowed defenders to extend their reach and essentially deliver a "neck-like" strike from above against potential invaders.
Over time, the spelling and pronunciation of the word evolved, leading to the modern English term "machicoulis".
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
