1. one of the solid parts of a battlement that rises above the parapet of a fortified wall or castle
Usage: architecture; historical

Examples

• The castle's merlons provided protection for archers defending the walls.
• Each merlon was carved with decorative stonework.
• The soldiers crouched behind the merlons during the siege.
• Medieval fortifications featured alternating merlons and crenels.
• The merlon's thick stone construction could withstand arrow fire.