embrasure

Definition

Any of the indentations between the merlons of a battlement; an opening in a wall or parapet through which ordnance can be fired.

Etymology

From Middle French embrasure.

Example Sentences

• "Near-synonym: crenel (sometimes hyponymous technically)"
• "But there were less casualties than might have been expected, and the barricade rose steadily, a wall of concrete two feet thick, with embrasures for two machine-guns and a small field gun."
• "The walls are slitted with embrasures through which bowmen could fire, indicating that the belfry also served as a stronghold during border skirmishes."