balistraria

[bal-uh-strair-ee-uh]

noun

plural

balistrariae 

1. (in a medieval fortification) an opening, usually in the form of a cross, through which a crossbow could be fired.

Word History and Origins

Origin of balistraria¹

First recorded in 1835–45; from Medieval Latin, feminine of Late Latin bal(l)istrārius, Latin ballistārius “pertaining to a ballista” (in Medieval Latin “a crossbow”), equivalent to ballist(a) + -ārius adjective suffix; ballista, -ary

Example Sentences

Balistraria, bal-is-trār′i-a, n. an aperture or loophole in the wall of a fortification through which crossbowmen might discharge their bolts.—n.

Read more on Project Gutenberg

Bartizan, Micklegate Bar, York. a, a, Balistraria Bar�tizan, a small overhanging turret pierced with one or more apertures for archers, projecting generally from the angles on the top of a tower, or from the parapet, or elsewhere, as in a medi�val castle.

Read more on Project Gutenberg