Embrasure
/ɪmˈbreɪʒər/noun
An opening in a wall, especially one that allows a cannon or gun to be fired through a fortification.
Did you know?Embrasure comes through French from a word meaning to widen or open out, and in fortification it became the name for a deadly gap built into a wall for firing weapons.
Etymological Timeline
Late Latin
LL
bracchiare
“to make broad or widen”
Old French
OF
embrasier
“to open wide, enlarge an opening”
Middle French
MF
embrasure
“a widening or splaying of an opening”
16th Century
English
embrasure
“a splayed opening in a wall or fortification for a gun or cannon”
Modern English
English
embrasure
“an opening in a wall, especially one for a weapon or a window”