Details Title: definitions Description: castles Total Flash Cards: 18 Created: 06/14/2009 11:02:43		New Users: To study from this flashcard set, or to create your own your own study flash cards, REGISTER HERE. Existing Users: CLICK HERE. Additional Architecture Flashcards
Cards in this set: Term bailey Definition the outer wall of a castle Term barbican Definition a tower or other fortification on the approach to a castle of town, esp. one at a gate or drawbridge Term bastion Definition a projecting part of a rampart or other fortifications Term castle Definition a fort or fortified group of buildings usually dominating the surrounding country and held by a vassal of a ruler in feudal societies. A fortified stronghold of this kind converted to residential use Term cistern Definition a receptacle for holding water or other liquid, esp. a tank for catching and storing rainwater Term counterscarp Definition the outer wall or the steep slope at the outer edge of a fortification Term draw bridge Definition a spanning structure that can be raised or drawn aside to prevent access to a fortification Term foundation Definition the basis on which a building stands, is founded or is supported Term keep Definition the inner stronghold of a castle, equipped to serve as the chief living quarters permanently or during a siege Term loophole Definition a small hole or slit in a wall, esp, one though which small arms may be fired Term machicolation Definition a projecting gallery at the top of a castle wall, supported by a row of corbeled arches, having openings in the floor through which stones and boiling liquids could be dropped on attackers. A row of small corbeled arches used as an ornamental architecture feature. Term moat Definition a wide, deep ditch, usually filled with water, surrounding a medieval town, fortress, or castle as a protection against assault Term portcullis Definition a vertically sliding grille of iron or wood suspended in the gateway of a fortified place in such a way that it can be quickly lowered in case of attack Term postern Definition a small rear gate, sometimes concealed, esp. one in a fort or castle Term rampart Definition a fortification used for defensive purposes, usually the upper portions, often provided with a parapet Term stockade Definition a defensive barrier made of strong posts or timbers driven into the ground Term undercroft Definition a vaulted underground room or crypt Term ward Definition an open court or area of a castle or fortification enclosed by walls