machicolate

[ muh-chik-uh-leyt ]

verb (used with object)

, ma·chic·o·lat·ed, ma·chic·o·lat·ing.

1. to provide with machicolations.

machicolate

/ məˈtʃɪkəʊˌleɪt /

verb

1. tr to construct machicolations at the top of (a wall)

Word History and Origins

Origin of machicolate¹

First recorded in 1765–75; from Medieval Latin machecoll(um), a Latinization of unattested Middle French machecol literally, “(it) breaks (the) neck” (from the use of such openings to drop projectiles on an ascending attacker; mache, 3rd-person singular present of macher “to beat, break, bruise” (apparently of expressive origin) + col “neck, collar”) + -ate ¹; compare late Middle English machecollyd “machicolated”; collar

Word History and Origins

Origin of machicolate¹

C18: from Old French machicoller, ultimately from Provençal machacol, from macar to crush + col neck