Machicoulis. The same as [machicolation].
Machine Guns. See [Battery Guns].
Machine, Infernal. This term has been applied to various deadly contrivances, for instance, to the battery gun with which the attempt to assassinate Louis Philippe was made, as well as to the devices used on similar historical occasions; also to the fire-ship used by the English at St. Malo. This was a three-decker charged with powder on the first deck; shells, carcasses, etc., on the second; and with barrels filled with combustibles on the third; the gun-deck was covered with old guns overloaded. It was intended to destroy ships, bridges, etc.
Machines, Artillery. See [Implements].
Machines of War, Ancient. Under this head is comprehended every kind of machine or engine made use of before the invention of gunpowder, for overthrowing, destroying, and burning the defenses of an enemy. They were of three kinds,—the first for projecting arrows, darts, stones, javelins, and fire-arrows; the second for battering and breaching walls, etc.; and the third for covering the troops thus engaged. They are as follows:
[Muscule], [arbalest], [ballista], [belfry], [belier]. (See appropriate headings.)
Bricole, machine for projecting quarrels or darts.
[Carreau], [catapulta] (which see).
Chat, or cat, a covered shed, occasionally fixed on wheels, for protecting soldiers employed in filling up the ditch, preparing the way for the helepole, or wooden tower, or for mining the wall.
Chat echine, prickly cat, beam bristling with oaken teeth, for the defense of a town, by being let down on the besiegers.