machicolate

American  

[muh-chik-uh-leyt] / məˈtʃɪk əˌleɪt /

verb (used with object)

machicolated, machicolating

1. to provide with machicolations.

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machicolate British  

/ məˈtʃɪkəʊˌleɪt /

verb

1. (tr) to construct machicolations at the top of (a wall)

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Etymology

Origin of machicolate

First recorded in 1765–75; from Medieval Latin machecoll(um), a Latinization of unattested Middle French machecol literally, “(it) breaks (the) neck” (from the use of such openings to drop projectiles on an ascending attacker; mache, 3rd-person singular present of macher “to beat, break, bruise” (apparently of expressive origin) + col “neck, collar”) + -ate ¹; compare late Middle English machecollyd “machicolated”; see collar

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

machicolated

Massive gates and crumbling machicolated walls command a green plain, where immense waringen-trees, clipped into the semblance of evergreen umbrellas, display the Eastern symbol of sovereignty.

From Through the Malay Archipelago by Richings, Emily

Its machicolated crests glistened in the brilliant Southern sunlight like an exotic of the Saharan country.

From The Automobilist Abroad by Mansfield, M. F. (Milburg Francisco)

On each side spread the brown machicolated battlements that vainly defended the death-stricken place.

From The Joyous Adventures of Aristide Pujol by Ball, Alec

It is crowned by a machicolated cornice similar to that on the east end of S. Theodosia.

From Byzantine Churches in Constantinople Their History and Architecture by Van Millingen, Alexander

She had passed beneath a machicolated gateway, and climbing a stairway that began in a watch-tower, found herself unexpectedly on a great platform.

From The Lady of the Mount by Isham, Frederic Stewart