crenel

[ kren-l ]

noun

1. any of the open spaces between the merlons of a battlement.
2. a crenature.

verb (used with object)

, cren·eled, cren·el·ing or (especially British) cren·elled, cren·el·ling.

1. to crenelate.

crenel

/ ˈkrɛnəl; krɪˈnɛl /

noun

1. any of a set of openings formed in the top of a wall or parapet and having slanting sides, as in a battlement
2. another name for crenation

Word History and Origins

Origin of crenel¹

1475–85; earlier creneul, crennel < Middle French, Old French, apparently diminutive of cren notch (attested since the 15th century), Old French cran, of uncertain origin; crenate, cranny

Word History and Origins

Origin of crenel¹

C15: from Old French, literally: a little notch, from cren notch, from Late Latin crēna

Example Sentences

Leaning into a crenel between two square merlons, Simon took a deep breath of the mild spring air.

From Project Gutenberg

And, turning aside, she motioned Gonzaga to the crenel she abandoned.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• incision
• indentation