Defn: The supposed principles of Machiavel, or practice in conformity to them; political artifice, intended to favor arbitrary power.
MACHICOLATED Ma*chic"o*la`ted, a. Etym: [LL. machicolatus, p. p. of machicolare, machicollare. See Machicolation.]
Defn: Having machicolations. "Machicolated turrets." C. Kingsley.
MACHICOLATION
Mach`i*co*la"tion, n. Etym: [Cf. LL. machicolamentum, machacolladura,
F. mâchicolis, mâchecoulis; perh. fr. F. mèche match, combustible
matter + OF. coulis, couleis, flowing, fr. OF. & F. couler to flow.
Cf. Match for making fire, and Cullis.]
1. (Mil. Arh.)
Defn: An opening between the corbels which support a projecting parapet, or in the floor of a gallery or the roof of a portal, shooting or dropping missiles upen assailants attacking the base of the walls. Also, the construction of such defenses, in general, when of this character. See Illusts. of Battlement and Castle.
2. The act of discharging missiles or pouring burning or melted substances upon assailants through such apertures.
MACHICOULIS
Ma`chi`cou`lis", n. Etym: [F. mâchicoulis.] (Mil. Arch.)
Defn: Same as Machicolation.
MACHINAL
Ma*chin"al, a. Etym: [L. machinalis: cf. F. machinal.]