Medieval Glossary
Half-moon
In fortification, a half-moon (demi-lune in French) is an outwork that has two faces which form a salient angle, the gorge of which resembles a crescent. It owes its original invention to the Dutch, who used it to cover points of their bastions. This kind of fortification is, however, defective, because it is weak on its flanks. Later called ravelins, which is a species constructed in front of the curtain.
Related term(s): Outworks; Angle, Salient; Gorge; Bastion; Ravelin; Curtain
Category: Castles and Fortifications
Added: 10.01.05
Source information:
Wilhelm, Thomas. A Military Dictionary and Gazetteer. Philadelphia: L.R. Hamersly & Co., 1881. 213.
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