ravelin means an outwork. A fortification outside a castle used to split an attacking force; composed of two faces, forming a salient angle whose gorge resembles a half-moon. Lexicurio rates it Sui generis — a strength score of 87 out of 100.
Why “ravelin” is a great word
A triangular fortification or detached outwork, positioned beyond a fortress's main ditch and designed to split an attacking force to crossfire. From French *ravelin*, from Italian *rivellino*, of unclear origin: perhaps from Latin *re-* (again, back) + *vallum* (rampart, wall). Unlike a
Etymology
From French ravelin, from Italian rivellino, of unclear origin: perhaps from Latin re- + vallum.
noun
- An outwork. A fortification outside a castle used to split an attacking force; composed of two faces, forming a salient angle whose gorge resembles a half-moon“It is about 2,500 yards in circuit, is built of red stone, and, according to Von Orlich, is now " a bastioned quinquangle ; the ancient walls with semicircular bastions face the two streams ; the land side is quite regular, and consists of two bastions, and a half-bastion with three ravelins," and stands higher than any ground in face of it.”