murder hole

A 'murder hole' is an architectural feature in medieval fortifications designed for defensive purposes.

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Definition

C1Medieval Fortifications

(historical, technical)An opening in the ceiling of a gateway or passageway used by defenders to attack invaders below with projectiles or harmful substances.

Example

  • The defenders used the murder hole to pour boiling oil on the attackers trying to breach the castle gate.

Similar

Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "murder hole":

love holeblow a hole throughin the holecoal holeglory holeair holefront hole