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Glite Dictionary
ravelin

ravelin

9.9
A triangular wall outside a fort that protects the main walls
  • noun
  • /ˈrævəlɪn/
  • Specialized
translation icon : ravelín
  • The design of the fort included a ravelin strategically placed to thwart any attacking forces.

Examples

  • The soldiers took shelter behind the ravelin, which provided extra protection from enemy fire.

  • These points are called "the bastions" with the small island fortress in between, called "ravelins."

    Blog text (15)

  • The fort was laid out on a pentagon plan with five bastions (1), one at each corner, which gave it its "star" shape, and the main gate was protected by a ravelin (2).

    Blog text (31)

  • In the battle, the commander ordered his troops to advance towards the ravelin that guarded the fort's entrance.

Synonyms

fortification
vsravelin
9 6.6

A wall or earth mound built to protect a place from attack

is a triangular outer defense built outside the main fort to protect it

Surface Forms

ravelin singular
ravelins plural

Etymology

Ravelin comes from European military words in French and Italian used by old engineers to name a small outer work in front of a fort. Think of a ravelin as a 'little shield' placed before the main walls to protect them and break the enemy's attack, which is why the word means that triangular fortification today.