MERLON Meaning and
Definition
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A merlon is a term primarily used in architecture and fortification to describe a solid, rectangular or square-shaped upright projection, typically found on the tops of castle walls or battlements. It is essentially a solid block or column projecting upward from the battlement parapet, creating a distinct separation between adjacent crenelations or embrasures. The purpose of a merlon is to provide protection and cover to defenders behind the wall, while still allowing them to observe and engage in combat through the crenelations.
The merlons themselves often vary in height and width, depending on the specific architectural design, but they are generally taller than the crenelations. Their tops are typically flat or slightly sloped, serving as a platform for archers to stand and fire arrows. Merlons can also act as buffers, eliminating the risk of projectiles passing through adjacent crenelations and potentially striking defenders positioned on the opposite side.
Besides their defensive functions, merlons also contribute to the overall aesthetics of castle architecture, giving a distinctive shape and character to the battlements. They were commonly constructed using stone or brick materials, intricately carved or embellished to match the architectural style of the castle or fortification.
Overall, merlons play a crucial role in fortifying structures, offering enhanced protection and visibility for defenders during times of armed conflict.
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The part of an embattled parapet lying between two embrasures.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for MERLON
Etymology of MERLON
The word "merlon" has its origins in medieval military architecture. It comes from the Old French word "merlon" or "merlonet", which referred to a solid, upright projection or battlement on a fortress wall. This Old French term, in turn, originated from the Italian word "merlone", meaning "big buttress" or "protrusion". The Italian word "merlone" was derived from the Late Latin word "merulus" or "emerulus", which meant "jackdaw", a type of bird known for its sharp beak. This association with a bird's beak likely led to the usage of "merlus" to describe a projecting architectural element. Over time, the word "merlon" specifically came to refer to the solid part of a battlement between the crenels or gaps, forming the defensive parapet of medieval fortifications.
Similar spelling words for MERLON
- Maralyn,
- Merline,
- Merlynn,
- Maralina,
- Marrilin,
- Maralynn,
- Marlen,
- Marralynn,
- Maraline,
- merlino,
- Marlinn,
- Merlyn,
- merlini,
- Morlan,
- Merlen,
- murlin,
- Marrilyn,
- Marlenn,
- murlain,
- Marlana,
- morelon,
- Maryellen,
- marlin,
- merlan,
- Mariaelena,
- Marielena,
- Myrleen,
- Marlyn,
- Morulin,
- Marilena,
- moerlen,
- morrolan,
- Marylyn,
- Myrlene,
- Marlayne,
- Marleene,
- Marrlen,
- Marilyn,
- Marlyne,
- Merlene,
- Marleni,
- Marylin,
- Marrlin,
- Marlynn,
- Marleina,
- Merlinn,
- Mereleen,
- Merlina,
- merloni,
- Marleen,
- Marilin,
- Marlane,
- Maryln,
- Marlene,
- marline,
- Marylynn,
- Marlena,
- merlangus,
- Marlynne,
- marillion,
- Marlon,
- murlan,
- Marlina,
- Morillon,
- Myrline,
- MERLIN-JULICH,
- merlin,
- Marlaina,
- Merilyn,
- Marlonn,
- Marialena,
- Marillyn,
- Maralin,
- Marlan,
- Marline-spike,
- Marlenne,
- Marlayna,
- Myrrholin,
- Marilynne,
- Marelyn,
- Merlijn,
- mariellen,
- Marleena,
- merlion,
- Marilynn,
- Marilene,
- MARYLEEN.
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