Medieval Glossary

Bastion

A work consisting of two faces and two flanks, all the angles being salient. Two bastions are connected by means of a curtain, which is screened by the angle made by the prolongation of the corresponding faces of two bastions, and flanked by the line of defense. Bastions can contain, sheltered by their parapets, artillery, platform, and guards. The 'faces' of the bastion are the parts exposed to being battered in breach.

Related term(s): Angle, Salient; Flank (Fortification); Face (Fortification); Curtain; Parapet; Artillery
Category: Castles and Fortifications
Added: 09.07.04
Last modified: 09.04.05
Source information: Wilhelm, Thomas. A Military Dictionary and Gazetteer. Philadelphia: L.R. Hamersly & Co., 1881. 48.

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