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tracery
/tɹˈeɪsɚɹi/
noun
the ornamental stonework or decorative patterns of interlacing shapes and lines, typically found in Gothic architecture
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garth
/ˈɡɑɹθ/
noun
an enclosed courtyard or garden, typically surrounded by buildings or walls
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boss
/ˈbɑs/, /ˈbɔs/
noun
a decorative protruding knob or ornament found at the intersection of ribs in vaulted ceilings or at the center of a ceiling or arch
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cresset
/kɹˈɛsɛt/
noun
a decorative or functional vessel for holding burning material, used for lighting purposes
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butress
/bˈʌtɹəs/
noun
a supportive structure in architecture, often in the form of a projecting wall or pillar, used to reinforce and stabilize a building
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tympanum
/ˈtɪmpənəm/
noun
the semi-circular or triangular space enclosed by the lintel and arch above a doorway, often decorated with sculptural reliefs or intricate designs
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fan tracery
/fˈæn tɹˈeɪsɚɹi/
noun
a decorative architectural feature commonly found in Gothic architecture, characterized by a fan-like pattern of interlocking stone ribs or wooden beams that create intricate vaulted ceilings or window designs
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turret
/ˈtɝət/, /ˈtɝt/
noun
a small tower attached on top of a castle, large building, or wall
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battlement
/ˈbætəɫmənt/, /ˈbætəɫmɛnt/
noun
a low wall with alternating raised sections and indentations built along the top of a fortified structure for defensive purposes
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machicolation
/mˌætʃɪkəlˈeɪʃən/
noun
an architectural feature commonly found in medieval fortifications, consisting of openings or holes in the floor or wall that allowed defenders to drop projectiles or pour boiling substances on attackers below
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belfry
/ˈbelfri/
noun
a chamber or compartment in a tower or building where bells are stored or rung
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arrow slit
/ˈæɹoʊ slˈɪt/
noun
a narrow vertical opening in medieval fortifications for shooting arrows
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hoarding
/ˈhɔɹdɪŋ/
noun
a temporary wooden fence or barricade erected for protection or construction purposes
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lantern
/ˈɫæntɝn/
noun
a small, decorative structure with windows that allow light to enter and illuminate the surrounding area
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bartizan
/bˈɑːɹɾɪzən/
noun
a small, turret-like structure typically found on the corners or edges of a fortified building, often used for observation or defense
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bell tower
/bˈɛl tˈaʊɚ/
noun
a tall structure designed to house and ring bells, serving as a prominent architectural feature and often associated with religious or civic buildings
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guardroom
/ɡˈɑːɹdɹuːm/
noun
a designated space or building where guards or sentries are stationed to perform security duties and maintain surveillance over a specific area or entrance
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gatehouse
/ɡˈeɪthaʊs/
noun
a fortified structure or building that serves as an entrance or gateway to a larger complex, such as a castle or estate, often featuring defensive features such as towers, walls, and gates
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moat
/ˈmoʊt/
noun
a wide and deep hole, often filled with water, that is dug around a castle and used as an extra protection against attack of enemies
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counterguard
/kˈaʊntɚɡˌɑːɹd/
noun
a defensive fortification or rampart that is positioned in front of or outside the main fortification, providing an additional layer of protection and serving as a barrier against enemy attacks
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glacis
/ˈɡɫeɪsəs/
noun
a sloping earthwork or artificial slope in front of a fortification or defensive structure, designed to protect it from direct enemy fire and to make it more difficult for attackers to approach
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chemin de ronde
/kˈɛmɪn dɚ ɹˈɑːnd/
noun
a raised walkway or path built along the top of a defensive wall or fortification, allowing guards to patrol and monitor the perimeter for potential threats
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hornwork
/hˈɔːɹnwɜːk/
noun
an outwork fortification that is shaped like a horn or crescent and is typically located in front of a main fortification or entrance
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keep
/ˈkip/
noun
the central fortified tower or stronghold within a castle or fortification
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fortification
/ˌfɔɹtəfəˈkeɪʃən/
noun
a defensive structure or system constructed to protect an area or position from enemy attacks, typically including walls, towers, and other defensive elements
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portcullis
/pˈoːɹtkʌliz/
noun
a heavy, vertically sliding gate or barrier made of metal or wood, typically found in medieval fortifications, that is used to control access to a castle, fortress, or other fortified structure
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barbican
/bˈɑːɹbɪkən/
noun
a fortified entrance structure for protection and control
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bastion
/ˈbæstʃən/
noun
a fortified structure extending from a wall, typically angled, for defensive purposes
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embrasure
/ɛmbɹˈæʒɚ/
noun
an opening or loophole in a fortification or wall, usually in the form of a narrow vertical slit, designed for observation or the discharge of weapons
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sally port
/sˈæli pˈoːɹt/
noun
a secure gate or entrance in a fortification or defensive wall that allows for controlled entry and exit, often used for sallies or sorties during a siege
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ravelin
/ɹˈævɪlˌɪn/
noun
a triangular or polygonal fortification with a raised platform located outside the main defensive walls of a fortress, used to defend the approach and provide additional protection against enemy attacks
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curtain tower
/kˈɜːtən tˈaʊɚ/
noun
a tower located within the walls of a castle or fortress, used to provide additional space for soldiers or for storing weapons and supplies
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cusp
/ˈkəsp/
noun
the point or curve formed by the intersection of two arcs or curves, commonly seen in the tracery of Gothic architecture
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great hall
/ɡɹˈeɪt hˈɔːl/
noun
a large, grand room within a building, often found in medieval castles or palaces, used for dining, entertaining, and important gatherings
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ball-flower
/bˈɔːlflˈaʊɚ/
noun
a decorative motif or ornament in the shape of a small spherical bud or flower, typically found in Gothic architecture
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brattishing
/bɹˈæɾɪʃɪŋ/
noun
a decorative architectural feature that involves creating a sequence of small projecting elements in a repeating pattern along the top of a parapet or gable
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trefoil
/tɹˈɛfɔɪl/
noun
a decorative architectural element or design motif consisting of three overlapping circles or lobes, often used in Gothic architecture and representing the leaves of a clover
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citadel
/ˈsɪtəˌdɛɫ/
noun
a stronghold into which people could go for shelter during a battle
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dungeon
/ˈdəndʒən/
noun
a guarded dark underground space usually in a castle, used to keep prisoners
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watchtower
/wˈɑːtʃtaʊɚ/
noun
a tall structure or building used for observation and surveillance, often associated with defensive or strategic purposes
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motte-and-bailey castle
/mˈɑːtændbˈeɪli kˈæsəl/
noun
an old fortified castle that is surrounded by an outer wall and is located on a small hill
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postern
/pˈoʊstɚn/
noun
a small gate or door, often found in the walls of a fortification or castle, providing a secondary or discreet entrance or exit
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