noun
- a triangular fortification with two faces forming a salient angle, built beyond the main ditch of a fortress
Usage: military architecture; historical
Examples
- The ravelin protected the main gate from enemy artillery.
- Engineers designed the ravelin to deflect cannonballs away from the fortress walls.
- Soldiers stationed in the ravelin could fire upon attackers crossing the moat.
- The star-shaped fort featured multiple ravelins projecting from its perimeter.
- Medieval architects used ravelins to strengthen vulnerable points in castle defenses.
- The ravelin’s angled walls made it difficult for siege engines to approach directly.