brattice

[ brat-is ]

noun

1. a partition or lining, as of planks or cloth, forming an air passage in a mine.
2. (in medieval architecture) any temporary wooden fortification, especially at the top of a wall.

verb (used with object)

, brat·ticed, brat·tic·ing.

1. to provide with a brattice (often followed by up ).

brattice

/ ˈbrætɪs /

noun

1. a partition of wood or treated cloth used to control ventilation in a mine
2. medieval fortifications a fixed wooden tower or parapet

verb

1. tr mining to fit with a brattice

Word History and Origins

Origin of brattice¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English brutaske, bretage, bretice, from Anglo-French bretaske, bretage, Anglo-French, Old French bretesche “wooden parapet on a fortress,” from Medieval Latin (9th century) brittisca, apparently a Latinized form of Old English Bryttisc “British” (or a new formation in Medieval Latin ), on the presumption that such parapets were introduced from Britain; British

Word History and Origins

Origin of brattice¹

C13: from Old French bretesche wooden tower, from Medieval Latin breteschia , probably from Latin Britō a Briton

Example Sentences

Fillets of wood are also fixed all the way down on each side of the brattice, constituting what is called a double pit.

From Project Gutenberg

Where inflammable air abounds, a store of such brattice deals should be kept ready for emergencies.

From Project Gutenberg

The thirling a is then closed by a brick stopping, and the brattice boards removed forward for a similar operation.

From Project Gutenberg

The air passes along one side of the brattice, courses round the free end, and returns on the other side.

From Project Gutenberg

It led to the main road, but across the mouth hung a wet brattice-cloth.

From Project Gutenberg