ravelin

[ rav-lin ]

/ ˈræv lɪn /

noun Fortification.

a V-shaped outwork outside the main ditch and covering the works between two bastions.

Nearby words

Origin of ravelin

1580–90; < Middle French, earlier revelin < Italian rivellino, diminutive of riva bank, rim

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for ravelin

On the north and east are bastions with a very slight projection, a glacis, and ravelin.
Tent Work in Palestine|Claude Reignier Conder
It covers the curtain, and conveniently defends the interior of the ravelin and its redoubt.
The Sailor's Word-Book|William Henry Smyth
Here Nechaev—in the gloomy Alexis ravelin—was kept a prisoner for life.
Comrade Kropotkin|Victor Robinson
A tremendous onset was made upon the gate of the Cross, and the ravelin was carried at last.
The Rise of the Dutch Republic, Volume II.(of III) 1566-74|John Lothrop Motley

The arquebusiers who lined the ravelin showered down on their heads missiles more formidable than stones and arrows.
History of The Reign of Philip The Second King of Spain|William H. Prescott

British Dictionary definitions for ravelin

ravelin

/ (ˈrævlɪn) /

noun

fortifications an outwork having two embankments at a salient angle

Word Origin for ravelin

C16: from Italian ravellino a little bank, from riva bank, from Latin rīpa

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012