Definitions
from The Century Dictionary.
- noun In old fortification: A loophole or aperture in the wall of a fortification, or in a wooden hoarding temporarily put up for defense, through which crossbowmen might discharge their bolts. See
loophole , and comparearcheria . - noun A room in which balisters or crossbows were kept.
from the GNU version of the Collaborative International Dictionary of English.
- noun (Anc. Fort.) A narrow opening, often cruciform, through which arrows might be discharged.
from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.
- noun historical A
narrow opening , oftencruciform , through whicharrows can befired .
Etymologies
from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License
Latin
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Examples
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reesetee commented on the word balistraria
Who knew there were so many words for arrow slit? (See Chuck Norris, but note that he is not an arrow slit. Well, he could be. . . .)
August 20, 2008
bilby commented on the word balistraria
I seem to remember the Italian is something similar, from balestiere, archer.
August 20, 2008
chained_bear commented on the word balistraria
I'm taking your word for it, bilby, and adding it to my list. Thanks!
August 20, 2008
bilby commented on the word balistraria
"A narrow opening, often cruciform, through which arrows might be discharged. (Parker)."
- answers.com
Same definition in Hutchinson Encyclopaedia. I noted some other definitions that refer to the space behind the slit rather than the slit itself, ie, more of an architectural feature of the battlement, where an archer would stand, rather than simply a slit in the wall.
August 20, 2008
chained_bear commented on the word balistraria
Yes, because that space allows them to aim from side to side (the slit-part allowing vertical aim). Thanks bilby!
August 20, 2008