ravelin

American  

[rav-lin] / ˈræv lɪn /

noun

Fortification.

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

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ravelin British  

/ ˈrævlɪn /

noun

1. fortifications an outwork having two embankments at a salient angle

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Etymology

Origin of ravelin

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

Example Sentences

On going a little further, we came opposite to the ravelin, which had been my chief annoyance during my last days' piquet.

From Adventures in the Rifle Brigade, in the Peninsula, France, and the Netherlands from 1809 to 1815 by Kincaid, J. (John)

The mine, however, had done but half the mischief intended; for by a miscalculation in the direction, it had passed somewhat to the right of the castle, which, as well as the ravelin, remained uninjured.

From History of The Reign of Philip The Second King of Spain Volume The Third and Biographical & Critical Miscellanies by Prescott, William Hickling

This had the further advantage of giving great saliency to the ravelin for cross-fire over the terrain of the attack.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 10, Slice 6 "Foraminifera" to "Fox, Edward" by Various

Speckle’s other favourite ideas are here: the cavaliers and double parapets and his own particular invention of the low batteries behind the re-entering place of arms and the gorge of the ravelin.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 10, Slice 6 "Foraminifera" to "Fox, Edward" by Various

Meanwhile, they had quickly erected a new battery at Point Lévi, and once again the guns of the citadel entered upon an artillery duel with that historic ravelin.

From Old Quebec The Fortress of New France by Bryan, Claude Glennon